PHILADELPHIA, PA — The man who tragically lost his life on the ground after a medical jet plane crashed in Philadelphia on the evening of January 31 has been identified as Steven Dreuitt.

Authorities confirmed that Dreuitt was inside his vehicle in a parking lot near Roosevelt Mall when the twin-engine medical aircraft unexpectedly went down, creating a fiery scene that stunned bystanders and sent first responders into emergency mode.

Unfolding of a Tragic Evening

The fatal crash took place shortly after 6 p.m. ET, shaking the normally bustling shopping district. According to official reports, the Learjet 35A was en route from Ohio State University Airport in Columbus, Ohio, to Northeast Philadelphia Airport when it experienced an unknown mechanical failure and failed to reach its intended destination.

The pilot attempted to make an emergency landing, but the aircraft lost altitude rapidly and crashed near Roosevelt Mall, just outside the Macy’s department store where Dreuitt had been planning to shop with his fiancée, Dominique Goods, and their young son.

Emergency responders rushed to the crash site, where they discovered Dreuitt deceased inside his vehicle, which had been struck by the debris of the disintegrating jet.

Eyewitness Accounts: Horror and Chaos

Witnesses described a terrifying scene as the plane careened toward the ground.

“I heard this loud, screaming noise, like an engine struggling. I looked up, and the plane was coming down at an angle, way too fast,” said local resident Martin Campbell, who was standing outside a nearby coffee shop. “Then it hit, and there was this massive explosion. I could feel the heat from where I was standing.”

Mall employees and shoppers also recounted the moments leading up to the crash.

“There were people running, screaming. The ground shook when the plane hit,” said Jenna Price, an employee at a nearby store. “It was like something out of a movie, but it was real life.”

First Responders Arrive at the Devastating Scene

Philadelphia firefighters and emergency medical personnel arrived within minutes to battle the raging fire caused by the jet fuel explosion. They discovered the wreckage of the plane scattered across a large area and worked quickly to suppress the flames.

“We encountered a debris field that extended over several hundred feet,” said Philadelphia Fire Department Chief Daniel Romero. “The jet had broken apart on impact, igniting multiple vehicles and causing a hazardous fire.”

Steven Dreuitt was tragically found inside his vehicle, unresponsive. Officials later confirmed that he had been killed instantly upon impact.

Victim’s Family Left Devastated

Dreuitt’s fiancée, Dominique Goods, was left heartbroken by the tragedy. A GoFundMe page has since been created in his honor, raising money to support his grieving family.

“He was a wonderful father and an amazing partner,” the fundraiser reads. “He was taken from us too soon, and we are struggling to process this sudden loss.”

Friends and family have described Dreuitt as a loving and hardworking man, who had recently been planning for his future with Goods and their son. He had dreams of moving into a new home and was dedicated to providing a stable life for his loved ones.

“He was just such a good guy,” said his longtime friend James Caldwell. “It’s hard to believe he’s gone, and in such a tragic way.”

Investigation Underway: What Caused the Crash?

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have launched a full investigation into the cause of the crash. Initial reports indicate that the medical jet had been transporting medical personnel and was not carrying patients at the time of the incident.

NTSB investigators have retrieved the aircraft’s black box, which is expected to provide crucial data on the final moments before the crash. Experts will analyze audio recordings from the cockpit and flight data to determine if pilot error, mechanical failure, or weather conditions played a role.

“We are looking into all possibilities, from engine failure to fuel issues,” said NTSB investigator Alan Sheppard. “Our goal is to piece together exactly what went wrong and to prevent something like this from happening again.”

A Community in Mourning

The Roosevelt Mall community is grappling with the shock of the accident. A memorial has been set up near the crash site, with flowers, candles, and messages of condolences for Dreuitt and the victims aboard the aircraft.

“We shop here all the time,” said Maria Lopez, a local resident who stopped by the memorial. “It’s terrifying to think that something like this could happen in our neighborhood.”

FAA and NTSB Safety Concerns: Could This Happen Again?

Aviation experts have pointed out that while medical jets are crucial for transporting patients and doctors, they sometimes operate under intense time constraints, increasing the risk of mechanical or pilot-related incidents.

“This wasn’t a commercial airline crash, but it still raises concerns about the safety and maintenance of medical transport planes,” said aviation analyst Greg Montgomery. “These jets often fly multiple times a day, and we need to ensure they’re being properly maintained.”

Calls for Increased Aviation Safety Measures

In the wake of the crash, some are calling for tighter regulations on medical transport aircraft, including stricter maintenance checks and more thorough pilot training requirements.

“We owe it to the families affected by this tragedy to make sure nothing like this ever happens again,” said local Congressman Jason Reynolds. “I will be pushing for a full review of medical aviation safety standards.”

Remembering Steven Dreuitt: A Life Cut Short

As the investigation continues, those who knew Steven Dreuitt are focusing on honoring his life and memory.

“He was just going to Macy’s with his family,” said his cousin, Ashley Dreuitt. “He had no idea his life would end that night. It’s so unfair.”

A candlelight vigil is planned for this weekend at the site of the crash, where friends, family, and community members will gather to pay their respects.

Moving Forward: The Road to Healing

While authorities continue to investigate, Philadelphia residents are left to process an unimaginable tragedy. The crash serves as a sobering reminder of how fleeting life can be and has ignited renewed discussions about aviation safety and emergency preparedness.

For now, the community mourns the loss of a father, a fiancé, and a friend—an innocent man who was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.

The investigation remains ongoing, and further details will be provided as more information emerges.