A humanitarian mission turned tragic on Monday, November 10, 2025, when a Caymanian pastor and his daughter died in a plane crash while traveling to Jamaica to deliver hurricane relief supplies. The victims, identified as Pastor Alexander Wurm, 53, and his 22-year-old daughter Serena Wurm, were on board a Beech B100 King Air aircraft that went down shortly after takeoff in Coral Springs, Florida.
The aircraft had departed from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport and was headed to Kingston, Jamaica, carrying medical kits, food, and water purification tools for victims of Hurricane Melissa, which recently devastated parts of the island. Witnesses reported seeing the plane struggling to gain altitude before it crashed into a lake within a gated residential community.
Emergency responders arrived swiftly at the scene, but both occupants were pronounced dead on impact. The crash site was cordoned off as investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) began examining possible causes, including mechanical failure, weather conditions, and flight records.
Pastor Wurm was the founder of Ignite the Fire Ministry, a well-known evangelical organization based in the Cayman Islands. He was widely respected for his outreach work and had made multiple trips to Jamaica in recent years to support disaster recovery efforts. His daughter Serena, a university student and active volunteer, often accompanied him on missions.
The Caymanian community is mourning the loss deeply. Local churches held vigils in honor of the Wurms, and tributes poured in from across the Caribbean. “They died doing what they loved — serving others,” said one church member during a candlelight memorial. The Wurm Family Foundation, which helped organize the relief mission, described the tragedy as “a heartbreaking loss for humanity.”
In Jamaica, government officials and humanitarian organizations expressed sorrow over the incident. The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Desmond McKenzie, extended condolences and praised the Wurms’ commitment to international aid. “Their sacrifice will not be forgotten,” he said in a statement.
Aviation experts have raised concerns about the safety of small aircraft used in humanitarian missions, especially in regions prone to extreme weather. The crash has sparked renewed calls for stricter safety protocols and better support for volunteer pilots and aid workers.
The investigation is ongoing, but early reports suggest the plane may have experienced engine trouble shortly after takeoff. Authorities are also reviewing maintenance logs and pilot certifications to determine whether any procedural lapses occurred.
As the Caribbean mourns, many are choosing to honor the Wurms’ legacy by continuing the work they started. Relief supplies from their mission have since been delivered by other volunteers, and plans are underway to establish a memorial scholarship in Serena’s name for students pursuing humanitarian studies.
