Ben Shtuhl’s partner of 7 years, Melissa Nicandri — described as “full of light”

Ben Shtuhl lost the love of his life on Jan. 29, 2025, when a midair collision in D.C. led to the deaths of 67 people, including his partner, Melissa Nicandri

(L-R) Ben Shtuhl and Melissa Nicandri.Credit : Courtesy Ben Shtuhl

NEED TO KNOW

Melissa Nicandri, 28, was among the 67 people who died during a midair collision in D.C. on Jan, 29, 2025
“She had an encyclopedic way of remembering all the little details about the people in her life and making them feel truly known,” her partner of 7 years, Ben Shtuhl, tells PEOPLE
Though her life was tragically cut short in the crash, Shtuhl continues to honor Nicandri’s memory by carrying forward the joy she brought to everyone around her

When Ben Shtuhl remembers the love of his life, he recalls her playful, competitive spirit.

Melissa Nicandri, 28, of New York City, was among the 67 people who died when American Airlines Flight 5342 collided with a Black Hawk helicopter near Reagan National Airport on January 29, 2025.

“She had an encyclopedic way of remembering all the little details about the people in her life and making them feel truly known,” her partner of 7 years, Ben Shtuhl, tells PEOPLE. “She was someone who treasured life and lived fully in the day-to-day moments, whether that was putting together intricate bouquets for our apartment, dissecting the latest celeb news with her friends, or relishing destroying me in Mario Kart.”

For Shtuhl, Melissa was not only his partner but his best friend and confidant.

“She was curious about the world and read voraciously but didn’t take life too seriously,” he says of the Florida native. “She was full of light and deeply loved, and she made the lives around her fuller just by being in them.”

Melissa Nicandri.Courtesy Ben Shtuhl

Though her life was tragically cut short in the crash, Shtuhl continues to honor Nicandri’s memory by carrying forward the joy she brought to everyone around her.

He traveled to Washington, D.C., for the one-year anniversary of the tragedy, attending a memorial at Constitution Hall to remember all 67 victims.

“I’m here to honor Melissa and to stay engaged with what happens next,” he says. “Being here is my way of making sure she’s remembered, and that the injustice of her death leads to accountability and reform so other families don’t have to go through this.”

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Shtuhl finds solace and strength in the company of other families affected by Flight 5342.

“There’s a sense of support that comes from being around others who know what you’re going through without needing explanation, and it makes the experience less isolating,” he says. “It’s also been important for me to have a sense of agency and purpose, so I’m grateful we’ve been able to focus together on advocacy to try to bring something positive from the situation.”

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Melissa Nicandri and Ben Shtuhl.Courtesy Ben Shtuhl

Looking back, Shtuhl hopes the memorial assured that Melissa’s life, and the lives of all 67 who died, will not be forgotten.

“Every person on that flight was their own universe, with relationships and aspirations they spent a lifetime building,” he says. “I hope people feel the strength that comes from being together in remembrance, and the power we have as a group to honor our loved ones and find some meaning in such a preventable tragedy.”