First Officer Jaime Felipe Silva Molina, 37, one of the pilots aboard the Amazon Prime cargo jet that crashed at Miami International Airport, had previously emphasized his commitment to safety and "sound decision making" in his aviation career. The aircraft barreled off the runway on Sunday, killing five people on the ground.
Molina was identified as a pilot along with Captain Joseph Carroll, 55. Both pilots survived the crash and were hospitalized but have since been released. The five victims, identified as Rolando Aleman, 55; Yoel Rodriguez Naranjo, 53; Julio C Pineda, 75; Carlos Acosta Fajardo, 53; and Javierkys Reyes Quevedo, 47, were traveling in a van owned by Professional Ocean Service Corp., a contract cleaning company for airlines.
Three other individuals remain hospitalized: passengers Eugenio Corredor, 79, and Ridoel Averhoff Diaz, 32, are in critical condition, while Roosevelt Sebastian Perdomo Torres, 36, who was on the ground, is in stable condition.
A LinkedIn profile, viewed by the Daily Mail, indicated that Silva described himself as a pilot who thrives in "dynamic environments where professionalism, communication and sound decision making are essential." He also stated, "I remain committed to advancing my aviation career while contributing to safe, efficient and high-performing flight operations."
Silva's professional background, as detailed on LinkedIn, includes "diverse in flight instruction, passenger and cargo operations, aviation safety, and aeronautical education." He reportedly earned an aeronautical engineering degree from his native Colombia and was pursuing further studies in aeronautical science at Miami Dade College. His profile also stated, "Currently, I serve as a First Officer on the Boeing 767-300, supporting domestic and international cargo operations for major logistics partners including Amazon Air, DHL, and Cargojet."
The Boeing 767 was arriving from San Juan, Puerto Rico, marking its third flight of the day. Preliminary investigations by the Federal Aviation Administration suggest the plane overshot the runway by approximately 1,300 feet. The report noted that Miami International Airport is not equipped with the Engineered Materials Arresting System, a safety feature installed at over 120 airports nationwide to help stop overrunning aircraft.
In addition to his professional pursuits, social media posts revealed Silva's personal life, including an elaborate marriage proposal to his now-wife, Lorena Arevalo, six years prior. He reportedly orchestrated a "MARRY ME" sign on the ground while flying over, later proposing on the tarmac. The couple married two years later. Photos also indicated that Arevalo was pregnant in April 2025.
Dispatch audio obtained by the Daily Mail captured the immediate aftermath of the crash, with responders reporting, "This aircraft overran the runway and crossed 67th Avenue. It struck a truck." Rescuers were seen surveying the area for additional victims.