A father and his daughter died this Monday in a tragic accident, when the plane they were traveling in on their way to Jamaica to deliver humanitarian aid following the hurricane Melissa crashed in a residential area of Coral Springs, in Fort Lauderdale, south of Florida.
Authorities identified the fatalities as Alexander Wurm, 53 years old, and his daughter Serena Wurm, 22, the two passengers of the private plane that had departed from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport at approximately 10:14 a.m. on Monday and was headed to Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, Jamaica.
Just five minutes after takeoff, the aircraft—a Beechcraft B100 King Air—piloted by the father crashed into a canal in a neighborhood of Coral Springs, a city north of Miami.
Security cameras from a residence near the site of the incident, which occurred in the area of 5000 NW and 57th Way, captured the moment when the plane struck some trees and plunged into the water.
The aircraft did not crash into any buildings, and no one on the ground was injured in the accident, authorities confirmed.
Members of the Police Department and the Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department responded immediately and remained at the scene for hours while divers attempted to find survivors. However, the police later reported that the rescue operation had transitioned to a recovery effort.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the cause of the fatal air accident.
A statement published on Monday night by the Christian ministry Ignite the Fire, founded by Alexander Wurm, highlighted his “warmth and unwavering kindness” and that he “dedicated his life to serving others.”
He added that throughout his life, Wurm "traveled extensively, reaching various countries and continents, where he worked tirelessly to bring faith, compassion, and support to those in need. His legacy of faith and compassion touched countless lives."
Regarding Serena, the ministry highlighted that "following in her father's footsteps, she was a beacon of empathy and hope, inspiring everyone with her commitment to humanitarian work."
“Together, their last journey embodied generosity and bravery, reminding us of the power of service and love,” emphasized Ignite the Fire.
The father and his daughter are survived by the wife and mother, Candace, and the other two children of the couple: Christiana, 20, and James, 17.
The hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica on October 28 as a category 5 cyclone, causing catastrophic damage and leaving behind a path of .
The disaster has mobilized humanitarian aid from numerous countries, regional and international organizations and institutions, private entities, and individuals, to assist those affected and contribute to the restoration of basic services in the country, which has been the most impacted by the powerful hurricane.
Ignite the Fire, together with other organizations, had carried out several flights to Jamaica delivering essential supplies for those affected, before the air tragedy on Monday that claimed the lives of Christian missionaries Alexander and Serena Wurm.
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