The deceased student is warmly eulogized in this newspaper article:
Student Pilot Had Passion For Flying
David Owens Contact Reporter
Since earning his pilot's license more than a year ago, Feras M. Freitekh was focused on continued training at the American Flight Academy at Brainard Airport and on his passion of flying.
His Facebook page is filled with photos that illustrate his love of flying, including his profile picture that shows him kissing the nose of an airplane.
Freitekh's neighbors said all of the flight students were kind and polite, but Freitekh stood out.
"He was always smiling, asking people how they were," said Giselle Velazquez, a former neighbor. "The person we saw was always happy and jolly and saying hi, and always stopped to say hello."
Freitekh, 28, also posted pictures he took while flying, the instrument panel of an airplane and quotes about flying, including: "Born to be a pilot," and "Your wings already exist, all you have you to do is fly."
A man from Amman, Jordan, who identified himself as Freitekh's cousin, said Freitekh dreamed of becoming a pilot and came to the United States to attend flight school to fulfill that dream. He was among many international students at American Flight Academy.
"He was a good person, kind and helpful," said the cousin, who asked not to be identified out of fear he would upset Freitekh's family by speaking to the press. "He wasn't religious at all. He was open-minded."
As news of Freitekh's death spread to his friends, they expressed their condolences via Facebook.
"Can't believe it man. Rest in peace. You will definitely be missed," one friend posted on the photo showing Freitekh kissing the nose of an airplane.
"God have mercy on you the best pilot. Final resting place heaven if god willing," another wrote in Arabic.
"May your soul rest in peace my friend, good people die early, enjoy your time in heaven bro," wrote another friend from Jordan, Ahmed Al Gburi.
Student Pilot Had Passion For Flying - Hartford Courant