- Brandon LeRoy was a nurse anesthetist and former firefighter known for his compassion.
- Jestene LeRoy shared their family’s life on TikTok, including a viral video before the crash.
- The couple’s son Paxton was 23 months old when the plane crashed in Nampa, Idaho.
A heartbreaking video of a toddler playing near a small plane just days before a fatal crash has left the internet in mourning. The clip, shared by Jestene LeRoy, showed her son Paxton circling the aircraft as his father, Brandon, worked on it—a moment now hauntingly tied to their tragic deaths.
The Idaho family’s story is one of love, adventure, and sudden loss, leaving their loved ones and the public grappling with an “immeasurable” grief.
Who Were Jestene LeRoy and Brandon LeRoy?
Brandon LeRoy, 43, was a dedicated nurse anesthetist with a background as a firefighter and paramedic. Described as “courageous, skilled, and deeply compassionate,” he was the kind of person “you wanted at your side in a crisis”. His wife, Jestene, 30, was a doting mother who documented their family’s joy on TikTok, where her final posts—showing Paxton near their Mooney M20 plane—have since gone viral.
The couple, married for three years, shared a life “marked by love, purpose, and promise,” according to Brandon’s cousin, Jeremiah LeRoy. Their 23-month-old son, Paxton, was a “joyful little boy, full of light,” whose early birthday celebration at a California water park became one of their last happy memories.
A young Idaho family is dead just days after posting an adorable video of their son circling his bike around their plane — with no idea they’d perish inside that very aircraft.
Full story: https://t.co/bOWeD9p7Fl pic.twitter.com/Ibc8t6gcHZ
— TMZ (@TMZ) August 3, 2025
The Tragic Flight: What Happened?
On July 27, 2025, the family departed from Nampa Municipal Airport in Idaho. Minutes later, their plane nosedived into an unoccupied building, killing Brandon and Jestene instantly. Paxton was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries. Witnesses reported hearing a “loud pop” before the crash, with one describing the aircraft spiraling downward “like a rock hitting a smooth road”.
The FAA and NTSB are investigating the cause, but the plane’s recent flight history—traveling between Oregon, California, and Idaho—adds to the mystery.
A Legacy of Love and Service
Brandon’s career in emergency medicine and Jestene’s vibrant social media presence painted a picture of a family living fully. Jeremiah’s tribute highlighted Brandon’s generosity, recalling how he once bought an espresso machine in a “sketchy parking lot” just to share his love of coffee. Jestene’s posts, now filled with mourning comments, immortalize their bond.
As the community mourns, Mayor Debbie Kling’s words resonate: “My heart grieves for those who tragically lost their life”.
Also Read: Sydney Sweeney Parents And Nationality: Who Are They?
Last Updated on August 7, 2025 by 247 News Around The World
