The pilot who tragically lost his life in a plane crash involving the private jet owned by Mötley Crüe vocalist Vince Neil played a heroic role in saving Neil’s girlfriend, Rain Hannah Andreani, and other passengers during the incident, according to his daughter.
The unfortunate accident took place at Scottsdale Airport in Arizona on Monday, February 10, when Neil’s aircraft deviated from its course and collided with another jet. Although Neil was not present on board the plane at the time of the crash, one person, likely the pilot, lost their life, while four others sustained injuries.
Scottsdale police identified the slain pilot on Tuesday, February 11, as Joie Vitosky, 78, per the Arizona Republic.
Jana Schertzer, the daughter of the pilot, expressed her belief that her father’s quick thinking and actions in the critical moments of the crash were instrumental in ensuring the survival of the other passengers. She emphasized the pivotal role played by her father in the rescue efforts, stating that she is convinced that the passengers owe their lives to his brave and selfless actions.
According to Schertzer, Vitosky had been flying for around 60 years after beginning his career as a helicopter pilot in the U.S. Marine Corps. After leaving the military, Vitosky began flying privately for guests including Jesse Jackson and Maureen Reagan.
“It’s a lot of stuff that can happen on a private plane. A lot of rich people, but he had a lot of people who needed something immediate,” said Vitosky’s daughter, noting that he also flew owners of oil companies and even transplant patients awaiting surgery.
Schertzer said that her father was in good health at the time of his death. “Like, nothing wrong. His vision was perfect — better than 20/20 vision,” she told the Arizona Republic.
“Instead of, you know, retiring and doing nothing, he did it literally until the day he died,” she added.
According to TMZ, Andreani, Neil’s girlfriend, suffered five broken ribs in Monday’s crash, while her friend also sustained injuries. The dogs the two women were traveling with survived the crash as well. Both women and the jet’s co-pilot were taken to the hospital.
“At 2:39 p.m. local time, a Learjet aircraft Model 35A owned by Vince Neil was attempting to land at the Scottsdale Airport. For reasons unknown at this time, the plane veered from the runway causing it to collide with another parked plane. On board Mr. Neil’s plane were two pilots and two passengers. Mr. Neil was not on the plane,” a representative for Neil said in a statement shared via Mötley Crüe’s Instagram account Monday.
“More specific details regarding the collision are not available as this is a rapidly evolving situation and there is an ongoing investigation. Mr. Neil’s thoughts and prayers go out to everyone involved, and he is grateful for the critical aid of all first responders assisting today,” the statement continued.
