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Charlotte based pilot shot and killed in Puerto Rico, family says
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February 5, 2020
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A Charlotte-based pilot was shot and killed in Puerto Rico, a family member told 2CNY NEWS.
Family members say 48-year-old Matthew Stapula, a pilot for American Airlines, was killed in a shooting during one of his layovers. The family has a lot of questions, but right now they are in shock and grieving the loss of someone they loved dearly.
Stapula’s father, Eric Stapula, said Matthew died near some sort of bar in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
“You’re in shock at first, and of course you feel overwhelmed. You don’t know what to do,” Eric Stapula said in a phone interview with 2CNY NEWS Monday night.
Eric Stapula says his son had a passion for the aviation industry and loved to fly, even getting a chance to occasionally work with his daughter who had worked as a flight attendant. The elder Stapula noted that his son was a family man.
“I’m losing a very close friend and obviously my firstborn son,” Eric Stapula said.
The grieving father said he learned about his son’s death Monday morning, but wasn’t given a lot of information.
Dennis Tajer, a spokesperson for the Allied Pilots Association, told 2CNY NEWS that the association is aware of Matthew Stapula’s death, and is looking into every detail to make sure other pilots and passengers are safe. He said the association is also focused on supporting Stapula’s family.
Eric Stapula said he plans to be at the airport when his son’s body is brought back to Charlotte. Right now he has several unanswered questions.
“I would really like to know the whole and true story, but right now it’s just a tragedy that’s left everybody here numb,” Eric Stapula said. “He knows that we love him. He knows that he was my best friend, and he knows that God loves him.”
2CNY NEWS reached out to American Airlines Monday and officials provided the following statement:
“On Sunday, we lost a Charlotte-based member of the American Airlines family in a tragic incident which occurred in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Our thoughts and prayers are with our colleague’s family, friends and loved ones. We have mobilized teams to provide care to his family, as well as fellow team members during this difficult time. Local law enforcement is investigating this incident, which occurred during the early morning hours of Feb. 2. We are providing any investigative assistance possible.“
Eric Stapula said his son was a husband, father and grandfather and has another grandchild that’s set to be born in the next week or so.
There’s no word yet on when Matthew Stapula’s body will be returned to Charlotte.
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