The first of many expected wrongful death lawsuits following the January plane crash at Ronald Reagan National Airport was filed in court earlier this week.

Rachel Crafton, the wife of Casey Crafton, one of the crash victims, is suing American Airlines, PSA Airlines, the flight operator and the U.S. government, according to a copy of the lawsuit reviewed by USA TODAY, which was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia on Wednesday, Sept. 24.

In prepared remarks, she called her late husband a devoted father, partner and employee who had a career in the aviation industry.

“The world was a better place because he was in it,” she said, adding, “Because of this avoidable tragedy, my young sons and I have to go through life without the love, support, guidan

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