FO Johnny Reyes' loss of his son Gavin Black

Please consider helping First Officer Johnny Reyes and his family with the expenses of saying goodbye to their son.

I am deeply sorry to share the news that Gavin Black, stepson of PHX-based FO Johnny Reyes, was killed in a tragic accident in Oklahoma City a few days ago.

I’m also sorry to report that when Johnny asked American Airlines for help, he got zero cooperation. When APA stepped in — including PHX Chair CA Dave Duncan, Project Wingman, and the Aeromedical Committee’s Sudden Grief Response Subcommittee — we got nowhere. The excuse? Company policy. AA said it has strict rules about who travels non-revenue, so the extended stepfamily would have to purchase tickets to escort their son’s remains. The airline also balked at transporting the 500-pound casket home to Boise, saying that it does not have “cargo-handling” facilities at either OKC or BOI, complicating the weight-and-balance process. Pardon me – “cargo?” We know American Airlines has no problem transporting heavy concert equipment when entertainers visit OKC, so that’s a lame excuse.

Johnny eventually decided to call Southwest Airlines. Within 10 minutes, he had secured reservations at a highly reduced rate for nine family members and an airway bill for the shipment of Gavin’s remains. Since then, the Senior VP of Flight Operations at Southwest has said the airline would cover the $800 cost for the human remains shipment. Kudos to Southwest Airlines for doing the right thing.

The shameful treatment of one of our pilots at the worst possible time speaks volumes about AA management’s total disdain for our pilots and passengers.

If you prefer a fee free method of donating, you may donate to @brianellis727 via Venmo.  I will keep a detailed record of donations for everyone.  Just put Johnny Reyes in the subject line.