SAD NEWS: Identities Confirmed in Devastating Hudson River Helicopter Crash — Half Were Children, and One Was Deeply Loved by Rihanna

New York City — May 21, 2025
In the wake of a horrific helicopter crash on the Hudson River that has stunned the nation, authorities have confirmed the identities of the six passengers who lost their lives. What began as a routine sightseeing tour ended in unspeakable tragedy — one that has left an irreplaceable void in multiple families, including one with a deeply personal connection to global icon Rihanna.

Three of the victims were children, all under the age of eleven. Among them was Sofia “Fifi” Reynolds, a 7-year-old girl described by friends and family as “pure joy incarnate” — and Rihanna’s beloved goddaughter. The singer’s emotional confirmation of Fifi’s death has amplified the sorrow surrounding this already devastating event, casting a shadow over the global entertainment world and sending shockwaves through social media.

The Crash: A Routine Flight Turned Catastrophic

The Eurocopter EC130 took off from Manhattan’s West 30th Street Heliport at approximately 4:15 PM on Tuesday afternoon. The weather was windy but within operational limits. The group on board — made up of a small circle of family friends — had booked the flight to celebrate a child’s birthday with an aerial tour of New York City. It was meant to be a magical experience, a gift of memories, especially for the children.

But less than 20 minutes into the flight, disaster struck.

Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud mechanical “snap” followed by an eerie silence and then a spiraling descent. The helicopter pitched forward, then plummeted, crashing violently into the Hudson River and submerging within seconds. The pilot, 38-year-old Brandon Ellis, miraculously survived but remains in critical condition. All six passengers were pronounced dead shortly after recovery efforts began.

A Devastated Star Mourns Her Goddaughter

Rihanna, known for her resilience, philanthropic spirit, and family values, took to social media late Tuesday night to express her heartbreak:

“My sweet Fifi… You were sunshine in its purest form. My heart is shattered. This pain is unbearable.”

The singer had often referred to Fifi as “her little twin,” and they were known to spend time together both in New York and Barbados. Sources close to the singer say she is “inconsolable” and has halted all professional commitments to be with the family of her late friend, Fifi’s mother, Melissa Reynolds, whom she has known since childhood.

This tragedy marks one of the few times Rihanna has made a public statement about personal loss, underscoring the depth of her bond with the child.

The Victims: A Celebration Turned Nightmare

The NYPD confirmed the victims as follows:

Elena Myles, 34 — a Brooklyn-based tech entrepreneur and mentor for young girls in STEM fields.

David Lin, 42 — a respected hedge fund manager from Jersey City.

Ava Lin, 9 — David’s daughter, described as a “young prodigy” who loved ballet and marine biology.

Jaden Parker, 10 — a visiting cousin from Atlanta, celebrating his birthday on the day of the crash.

Sofia “Fifi” Reynolds, 7 — Rihanna’s goddaughter, remembered as “a radiant soul” with a love for singing and painting.

Mila Torres, 8 — a student from Queens, known for her fierce intelligence and infectious giggle.

Each child carried the weight of dreams and untold potential. Each adult was a cornerstone in their families and communities. All were taken too soon.

A Growing Outcry Over Helicopter Safety

In the aftermath of the crash, public scrutiny has zeroed in on the safety of helicopter tours in one of the world’s busiest and most complex airspaces. While sightseeing flights have become a popular tourist attraction in New York, this is not the first time such a flight has ended in tragedy.

Experts point to a troubling lack of updated safety regulations, particularly around non-essential flights over heavily populated or high-traffic areas. Aviation analyst Karen Doyle told CNN:

“These tours are treated like harmless luxuries, but they are high-risk activities. Every flight over a city like New York should be treated with the utmost caution — and currently, oversight is disturbingly lax.”

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced a full-scale investigation into the crash and has temporarily suspended all sightseeing flights departing from the West 30th Street Heliport.

A City in Mourning

Across New York, candles flicker on makeshift memorials along the Hudson River. Teddy bears, flowers, hand-drawn notes from classmates — all testify to a community’s grief. Mayor Elisa Ramos spoke at a vigil last night, her voice breaking as she said,

“We lost children. Bright, beautiful children. Their absence is a wound on this city’s heart.”

In schools across the city, grief counselors have been dispatched, especially at institutions where the young victims studied. Fifi’s teacher at PS 183 remembered her as “a beam of joy who could light up a room just by walking into it.”

What Comes Next

This tragedy is already prompting broader conversations. Legislators are being urged to revisit the regulatory frameworks surrounding recreational aviation. Several advocacy groups, including SkySafe NYC, are pushing for a permanent ban on non-essential helicopter tours over Manhattan.

Meanwhile, Rihanna has pledged to fund a foundation in Sofia’s name that will support arts education for underprivileged children — a legacy she hopes will turn grief into purpose.

Final Words

Six souls lost — three of them children — in what should have been a joyful celebration. A superstar godmother left reeling. A city shaken. And a nation once again reminded of how fragile life can be in the most ordinary of moments.

This tragedy will not be forgotten. And neither will the names, the dreams, or the light of those who were lost.

Rest in peace, little ones. You were loved. You will be remembered.