Man taking first ever flight in aircraft dies saving girlfriend’s life pushing her from window as plane crashes
Reginald Hillard Jr was bought the trip as a surprise gift but it turned to tragedy just moments after jet took off
A MAN who died saving his girlfriend's life by pushing her out of the window of a crashing plane has been hailed a hero by his family.
Reginald Hillard Jr, who was on his first aircraft due to being frightened of flying, was on the trip with his partner Brianna Davis, who organised it as a surprise treat.
Sadly it turned to tragedy as the aircraft crashed just moments after take off at Lake Pontchartrain, in New Orleans.
The pilot and Hillard were both found in the water, while Davis was picked up by a private yacht and taken to hospital.
Yolanda White told : "He's the hero. He was a hero living. You know, he died that way."
Hillard's cousin, she added: "This was his first plane flight ever. First time he flew on a plane. And it was a surprise from his girlfriend Brianna."
The couple has posed for photos before boarding the plane, and it was Davis who told her boyfriend's family he saved her life and sacrificed his own.
White said Hillard was afraid of flying, but the father of three, was determined to give it a go when his partner surprised him.
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Davis is the only survivor of the crash.
Officials say the pilot, who also died, and was found buckled in his seat, was experienced but didn't call for help.
White said: "They gave us the signal that there were two bodies in there, so we knew it was his and the pilot's.
Airport director, Ben Morris, said that the plane hit a rainstorm around the time the crash happened, and it was in a spot where there have been previous accidents.
Anthony Coleman, who is also a cousin of the rapper and artist said: "He loved his life and he lived it to the fullest. And this is God's will.
"There isn't (anything) we can do about it, but accept it."
The crash is being investigated by federal officials.
