Jonathan Campos, one of the pilots aboard the American Airlines jet that collided mid-air with a U.S. Army helicopter on January 29, had a final conversation with his family just before the devastating accident.

Campos’ uncle, John Lane, spoke about his nephew with deep sorrow, describing him as “such a good kid.”

“I spoke to him as he was boarding the plane. We talked for 10 minutes. I can’t believe it. He sounded really happy,” Lane recalled.

Campos had been eagerly anticipating a family trip. “He was looking forward to going on a cruise next week on the Icon of the Seas, the cruise ship. Ten family members were going to fly to Florida to take the trip with him. It was going to be a big celebration,” Lane shared.

Flying had always been Campos’ passion. “He loved flying, it was his dream. He was living his dream,” Lane added. “As a kid, he played with toy planes. He always wanted to qualify to fly bigger planes. We’re just sick right now. His mother isn’t doing well.”

Campos graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida in 2015 with a degree in Aeronautical Science. His aunt, Beverly Lane, told The New York Times, “I think he wanted to be free, to be able to fly and soar like a bird.”