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.
Volusia County, Fla. — A 16-year-old boy has died after being found unresponsive in the Indian River during a weekend camping and fishing trip, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities identified the teen as Hunter McKelvin of Paisley. Deputies said he was discovered face-down in the water Saturday morning near a small island east of Maynard May Park in Edgewater.
Members of the group located the teen and immediately began CPR before transporting him by boat to Maynard May Park.
Upon arrival, officers with the Edgewater Police Department and other emergency responders took over life-saving efforts.
McKelvin was then transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased later that morning.
Investigators reported that no visible injuries were observed, and there were no immediate signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances during the initial investigation.
An autopsy has been scheduled as authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.