The viral clip showed their toddler riding around the very plane that would soon take their lives
A young Idaho family is being mourned nationwide after a tragic plane crash claimed their lives — just days after they posted a heartwarming TikTok that now feels haunting in hindsight.
Jestene LeRoy, 30, her husband Brandon LeRoy, 43, and their 23-month-old son Paxton were killed when their small private plane crashed into an unoccupied home shortly after takeoff in Nampa, Idaho. The devastating accident occurred on July 27, less than two miles into their flight.
Now, a sweet TikTok video — originally meant to capture a joyful family moment — has gone viral with more than 13 million views, as the internet grieves alongside those who knew and loved the LeRoys.
✈️ The Viral Video: “Imagine Growing Up…”
In the now-heartbreaking clip, Jestene films little Paxton joyfully circling the family’s plane on his bike. The post, shared on July 24 under the handle @jesteneleroy, was captioned:
“Imagine growing up riding your bike around your dad’s plane before your dad flies you and your mom wherever you want.”
What was meant to be a sentimental family moment has now become a chilling reminder of life’s fragility — a clip that’s now being reshared across TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) with messages of shock, grief, and prayers.
🛩️ The Crash: What We Know So Far
According to the Nampa Police Department, the family’s private plane went down just minutes after taking off from the Nampa Municipal Airport. The crash occurred in a residential neighborhood — smashing into a vacant house. Miraculously, no one on the ground was hurt.
📍 Crash Details:
- Date: July 27, 2025
- Location: Nampa, Idaho
- Aircraft: Small private plane
- Fatalities: 3 (Jestene, Brandon, and Paxton LeRoy)
- Cause: Still under investigation
Both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are currently investigating the cause of the crash. Weather conditions at the time have not been publicly linked to the incident.
💔 A Life Full of Joy — Cut Tragically Short
The LeRoy family had just celebrated Paxton’s second birthday a few weeks early during a family trip to a water park in California. Jestene shared bright, beaming photos of her son splashing in the sun — images that now live as the final memories of a beautiful young life.
Brandon’s brother, Jeremiah LeRoy, shared a powerful statement with KTVB:
“Everything was right in the world, so full. So good. And now, the loss feels immeasurable. To say we miss them doesn’t come close.”
Friends describe Brandon as a skilled pilot and loving father, and Jestene as a vibrant, devoted mom who loved sharing snippets of their family life on social media.
🕯️ A Community in Mourning
Nampa Mayor Debbie Kling expressed her condolences in a heartfelt public statement:
“My heart grieves for those who tragically lost their life. Our thoughts and prayers are with their extended family during this difficult time.”
The entire Nampa community has been shaken by the sudden loss. Vigils are being planned, and a memorial GoFundMe campaign is expected to be launched to support extended family and funeral costs.
🌐 Social Media Reacts: “This Is Beyond Heartbreaking”
As the video continues to circulate online, strangers from across the world are sending their thoughts and prayers. Many comments echo the same emotion:
“I didn’t know them, but this crushed me. That video broke my heart.”
“They looked so happy. That little boy was so full of life. I’m in tears.”
“That TikTok will haunt me forever. RIP sweet family.”
Users are also encouraging others to hold their loved ones tighter and cherish the little moments — reminders that resonate even more deeply now.
🚨 FAA & NTSB Investigation Underway
Investigators are carefully reviewing:
- Flight path data
- Maintenance records of the aircraft
- Pilot credentials and logs
- Weather and wind conditions at the time of takeoff
Officials have not yet confirmed if mechanical failure or human error played a role in the fatal nosedive. Updates are expected over the coming weeks.
🧡 Remembering the LeRoy Family
The LeRoys’ story has become a powerful — and painful — reminder of just how quickly life can change. One moment, a family is making precious memories; the next, the unthinkable happens.
The photo of Paxton on his tiny bike, circling his dad’s plane with childlike awe, is now a symbol of innocent joy lost far too soon.
✨ Final Thoughts
This is the kind of tragedy that leaves an entire community — and millions online — reeling. It’s the unimaginable made real, the kind of story that touches even strangers. A young couple in love, a baby boy with a bright smile, and a future that felt limitless — gone in an instant.
As one TikTok commenter perfectly wrote:
“Heaven gained three angels. Rest peacefully, LeRoy family.”
💬 What are your thoughts on this heartbreaking story?
Share your condolences or favorite memory of the family’s viral video in the comments below.
Stay tuned to The Pop Radar (TPR) for updates as the investigation unfolds.
