The family of a 20-year-old co-pilot killed in Sunday’s fatal Learjet crash in Palm Beach County has praised her as a "tough and professional" aviator as they search for answers about the disaster that claimed nine lives .

Allan Filgueiras, father of co-pilot Nathalia Gadelha Filgueiras, spoke at a Friday news conference with attorney Stuart Grossman of the Coral Gables law firm Grossman, Yaffa & Cohen, who is representing the family.

Pointing to his daughter’s final radio transmissions reporting icing and severe turbulence , Filgueiras emphasized her composure under extreme stress during the flight’s final moments.

The Learjet 60 was traveling from Austin, Texas, to the Bahamas when it plunged to the ground near Greenacres around 12:51 p.m.

Recalling his daughter's dedication to aviation, Filgueiras shared a memory of her excitement over her career: “She said, Dad, can you believe, can you believe that I would pay for this, but they are actually paying me!…