55-Year-Old Learjet Captain Jeff Gregory Recited the Lord’s Prayer Moments Before Fatal Florida Crash
The final moments aboard the Learjet 60 that crashed in Florida have revealed a heartbreaking detail about the aircraft’s captain. According to reports, 55-year-old pilot Jeff Gregory was heard reciting the Lord’s Prayer shortly before the plane went down.
Nine people lost their lives in Sunday’s devastating crash, including a family of four, their nanny, Gregory and his 20-year-old co-pilot, Nathalia.
The private jet had departed Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas and was heading to North Eleuthera Airport in the Bahamas when disaster struck.
At approximately 12:50 p.m., the aircraft began losing altitude rapidly before crashing onto a highway in Palm Beach County. The impact caused a massive fireball, created a large crater in the road and scattered wreckage across the surrounding area.
According to information from the Federal Aviation Administration, the aircraft dropped from approximately 35,250 feet to 8,750 feet in just over a minute. Reports also indicate that the jet made a sharp right turn before entering its steep descent.
Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board are examining the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. Weather conditions, including possible icing and turbulence, are among the factors being considered.
At a news conference, NTSB board member Tom Chapman said investigators had found evidence suggesting the aircraft may have started breaking apart before striking the ground.
He explained that some pieces of the plane could have been scattered away from the main impact site. However, the exact cause of the crash has not yet been established.
Pilot Jeff Gregory identified among the victims
The captain was identified as 55-year-old Jeff Gregory. East Coast Jets, a private charter company where he had previously worked, confirmed that he was among those killed.
In a statement, the company expressed its sorrow and offered condolences to Gregory’s family, his fellow crew member and everyone affected by the accident.
Gregory was remembered by people who knew him as a dependable and dedicated person. David Peters, a former neighbor and longtime friend, told The Sun that Gregory had dreamed of becoming a pilot from a young age.
Peters also recalled his enthusiasm for aviation, including his fondness for wearing a leather bomber jacket.
A tribute shared by his church described Gregory as having gone home to be with the Lord after the aircraft he was flying crashed.
According to Peters, Limerick Chapel in Pennsylvania, the church Gregory had attended while growing up, was the source of information about his death.
Final recording captures Gregory praying
One of the most emotional details to emerge from the investigation is the final audio recording between the aircraft and air traffic control.
According to reports, Gregory can be heard reciting part of the Lord’s Prayer during the final moments before the crash.
In the recording, he says, “Who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.”
Shortly afterward, co-pilot Nathalia is reportedly heard shouting, “We’re going to crash into the ground,” before the recording ends.
The audio has brought renewed attention to the terrifying final moments experienced by those aboard the aircraft. It also highlighted the importance of faith in Gregory’s life, according to people who knew him.
Gregory leaves behind his wife, Cheryl, 53, and their three children.
The investigation into the crash remains ongoing, and authorities are continuing to examine the wreckage, flight data and weather conditions to determine what happened.
The tragedy has left families and friends mourning the nine people who lost their lives.