A father and daughter lost their lives after their small aircraft — which was transporting relief supplies to Jamaica following the destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa — crashed in a Florida neighborhood.
Authorities reported that on Monday, Nov. 10, at 10:19 a.m. local time, the Coral Springs Police Department and the Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department responded to the crash site at 5000 NW 57th Way in Coral Springs. Police later confirmed that two people tragically died in the accident, according to a news release shared on the City of Coral Springs government website.
The plane went down shortly after departing from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport at approximately 10:14 a.m., CNN reported, citing a spokesperson for the City of Fort Lauderdale. The turboprop aircraft is believed to have crashed into a pond inside a gated residential community, narrowly avoiding nearby homes.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) stated in an X update that it is investigating the incident and identified the aircraft as a Beech B100. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is conducting a parallel investigation.
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The victims were identified by their ministry, Ignite the Fire, which announced that Alexander Wurm, 53, and his daughter Serena, 22, died while transporting humanitarian aid to Jamaica in the aftermath of the hurricane.
Ignite the Fire shared the heartbreaking news on Facebook, calling the loss “devastating” and honoring both victims. The tribute described Alexander — the founder of the ministry — as a man remembered for his kindness, compassion, and global missionary work.
“Throughout his life, Alex travelled extensively, reaching various countries and continents, where he tirelessly worked to bring faith, compassion, and support to those in need,” the message read. “His legacy of faith and compassion touched countless lives.”
The statement added that Alexander was not only a leader but also someone who offered deep emotional support to those around him. The ministry described him as “the person we could be completely raw with,” someone who responded with grace and understanding.
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Ignite the Fire explained that the ministry focuses on empowering youth through missions and service throughout the Caribbean, cultivating community leadership and involvement.
The organization noted that Alexander leaves behind his wife, Candace, as well as two children: James, 17, and Christiana, 20. Serena, who was following her father’s path in humanitarian work, was remembered as “a beacon of empathy and hope.” Their final act of service, the tribute said, reflected courage and profound selflessness.
“As we [honor] their memory, may we continue their legacy of generosity, compassion, and faith,” the statement concluded.
Michelle Saldeba, who wrote the tribute, said communities across the world — including the Cayman Islands, where Alexander and his family lived — were devastated by the loss. She added that the family is being held in constant prayer.
The City of Coral Springs advised residents that a significant police presence would remain in the Windsor Bay area as investigators continue collecting evidence. Officials also warned of a lingering fuel odor, recommending that nearby residents remain indoors and keep doors closed until the fumes have fully dissipated.
The victims had been en route to Jamaica to support relief efforts after Hurricane Melissa struck the island as a Category 5 storm on Oct. 28. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness had declared the island a “disaster area” in a Facebook post at the time.
The storm also caused severe damage in Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic, leaving communities across the region struggling to recover.
Coral Springs Police Chief Brad Mock, the Coral Springs Fire Department, the National Transportation Safety Board, the Broward Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Aviation Administration did not immediately provide further information regarding the crash.
