Virginia jet crash victims remembered: “I could not love a human being more”

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Four lives were tragically lost on Sunday when a private jet, carrying individuals from diverse backgrounds, crashed into a remote mountainous area of Virginia. The incident unfolded dramatically as the unresponsive Cessna Citation flew over Washington, prompting military fighter jets to scramble and break the sound barrier across the capital region. As investigators strive to uncover the truth behind this heartbreaking event, details about the lives of those lost are surfacing, leaving friends and family in shock and grief from the Hamptons to South Florida.

Among the passengers was Adina Azarian, 49, a highly regarded figure in New York’s real estate industry. Known for her exceptional listings, Adina was admired by her colleagues for her luxurious properties. During the pandemic, she welcomed her beloved daughter, Aria, into the world and hired Evadnie Smith, 56, affectionately known as “Nanny V,” as a live-in nanny in her East Hampton residence. Smith’s presence not only provided care for Aria but also served as a calming influence for Adina amidst the demanding nature of her high-stress career.

Raphael Avigdor, a close friend of Adina, fondly recalled her lighthearted remark about hiring a nanny for both her daughter and herself. Inspired by Smith’s exceptional caregiving skills, Avigdor hired Smith’s step-sister to care for his own mother in Florida. Smith leaves behind a son in Jamaica, who is currently unreachable.

Prior to the tragic crash, Adina, Aria, and Smith had been visiting Adina’s adoptive parents, John and Barbara Rumpel, well-known Republican donors. Adina’s path crossed with the Rumpels when they recognized in her a resemblance to their late daughter, Victoria, who tragically passed away at the age of 19 in a scuba diving accident. Over time, the Rumpels developed a deep bond with Adina, leading them to adopt her when she turned 40. Seven years later, Adina conceived her cherished daughter, Aria, through in-vitro fertilization.

John Rumpel expressed his immeasurable love for Adina and his grandchild, Aria, stating that his affection knew no bounds. Their connection remained unwavering throughout the years. Adina had also recently reconnected with her biological mother, Christina Graham of Nashua, New Hampshire. Learning of the devastating news through the Rumpels, Graham expressed her difficulty in accepting Adina’s untimely departure, as their relationship was steadily strengthening.

The pilot, identified as Jeff Hefner, was a seasoned aviator with an extensive background in aviation. Hefner, 69, had been working as a full-time pilot and mechanic for John Rumpel, who owned multiple planes. Having collaborated for approximately five years, Rumpel praised Hefner’s exceptional piloting skills, emphasizing that he would never have entrusted the safety of his daughter and grandchild to anyone less qualified. Hefner’s impressive career spanned 25 years as a captain with Southwest Airlines, accumulating over 25,000 flight hours. After retiring from the airline, Hefner obtained certification to fly various private aircraft. He leaves behind a wife and three children.

Authorities revealed that shortly after taking off from Tennessee, the pilot ceased communication with air traffic control. The plane deviated from its intended course, flying towards New York, only to change direction and pass directly over Washington. Fighter pilots dispatched to intercept the aircraft observed Hefner unresponsive and slumped over in the cockpit. While investigations are ongoing, experts speculate that the crash may have been caused by a loss of pressurization within the cabin.

As the communities affected by this devastating incident mourn their losses, the memory of these individuals will endure through the love they shared and the lives they touched.

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More about Virginia jet crash victims

• Private Jet Crash in Virginia
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
• National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)
• Southwest Airlines
• Aviation Safety Network