Local News
UMMC Identifies Victims of Fatal AirCare Helicopter Crash
JACKSON, Miss. – The University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) has officially identified the three crew members who tragically lost their lives in the March 10 AirCare helicopter crash.
According to a press release from UMMC, the victims include:
- Dustin Pope, 35, of Philadelphia, Mississippi, who served as the base supervisor for AirCare in Columbus and was a flight nurse.
- Jakob Kindt, 37, of Tupelo, Mississippi, a critical care paramedic.
- Cal Wesolowski, 62, of Starkville, Mississippi, the Med-Trans pilot operating the flight.
Both Pope and Kindt had been dedicated members of UMMC’s AirCare team since joining the Medical Center on August 14, 2017.
In the wake of this tragic incident, AirCare Transport Services have been temporarily grounded as UMMC collaborates with healthcare and medical transportation providers statewide to ensure continued emergency care for Mississippians.
The Medical Center has also emphasized its commitment to supporting the families of the victims, as well as the AirCare and Mississippi Center for Emergency Services teams, during this difficult time.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
LAWRENCEBURG, Ind. (Dearborn County) — Fire crews are battling a third-alarm structure fire at the Civista Bank located at 19710 State Line Road, according to emergency dispatch information.
The incident was initially reported as a working fire, prompting a second-alarm response as conditions rapidly escalated.
Fire officials have confirmed that the office area on the second floor is heavily involved, with significant fire activity observed within that portion of the building.
Additional firefighting resources have been requested to assist with suppression efforts as crews work to contain the blaze and prevent further spread.
No information has been released at this time regarding injuries, evacuations, or the cause of the fire.
Authorities are expected to provide updates as the situation develops.