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. For Shtuhl, Melissa was not only his partner but his best friend and confidant. “I’m here to honor Melissa and to stay engaged with what happens next,” he says. Melissa Nicandri and Ben Shtuhl.