Father and daughter confirmed as victims in crash of plane delivering hurricane relief in Jamaica.
A tragic incident occurred on Monday morning when a small plane en route to Jamaica carrying humanitarian aid crashed in Coral Springs, Florida. The victims of this unfortunate event have been identified as Alexander Wurm, 53, the CEO of a Christian ministry, and his daughter, Serena Wurm, 22. The aircraft, a Beechcraft King Air B-100, took off from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport shortly after 10:00 a.m. The plane crashed into a nearby pond just minutes after its departure, at approximately 10:20 a.m.
Alexander Wurm was the founder of Ignite the Fire, a Christian organization focused on empowering youth through missions and evangelism in the Caribbean region. The organization’s mission took them to Jamaica, where they were delivering essential supplies in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. This historic category-5 storm, which struck the Caribbean island nation on October 28, has been reported to have resulted in at least 32 fatalities and caused billions in damages.
The organization Ignite the Fire confirmed the tragic news of the Wurms’ deaths through a statement on its social media channels. Alexander Wurm was remembered as a devoted individual, passionate about his faith and humanitarian efforts, widely respected for his kindness and commitment to serving others. His daughter, Serena Wurm, was recognized as a compassionate young woman who shared her father’s dedication to humanitarian service.
Sean Malone, CEO and co-founder of Crisis Response International, spoke about the logistical challenges faced in delivering aid to Jamaica following the hurricane. Malone highlighted Wurm’s commitment to flying resources to the island, often at his own expense, and expressed shock over the loss of both Alexander and Serena Wurm.
Flight tracking service FlightAware indicated that the ill-fated flight departed at 10:14 a.m. and was scheduled to land at Sangster International Airport by 12:35 p.m. Authorities have not reported any additional victims from the incident.
As the local community mourns this loss, the legacy of the Wurms and their commitment to serving those in need remains a poignant reminder of the profound impact of humanitarian work. The investigation into the crash is ongoing, and authorities are expected to provide further updates as more information becomes available.
This tragic event underlines the risks faced by those in the humanitarian sector, particularly during disaster relief efforts. The community, both locally and in Jamaica, is grieving the loss of two individuals who dedicated their lives to helping others.
