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.
Copake, N.Y. — The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office is leading an investigation into a fatal plane crash that occurred Saturday afternoon in the town of Copake.
According to officials, the crash took place shortly before noon near Two Town Road, where a small aircraft went down in the middle of an open field.
During a press briefing, Undersheriff Jacqueline Salvatore confirmed that emergency crews responded to the remote crash site, but muddy terrain has complicated access for first responders.
The aircraft is believed to be a Mitsubishi MU-2B-40, with tail number N635TA, registered to Dynamic Spine Solutions LLC.
Authorities confirmed that two individuals were on board at the time of the crash.
However, details regarding the number of fatalities, identities of the occupants, or the flight’s point of origin have not been released pending notification of next of kin and further investigation.
The plane was reportedly en route to the Columbia County Airport when it went down. Officials said that no buildings were damaged and no other aircraft were involved in the incident.
Multiple agencies are assisting in the investigation, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), New York State Police, and the Columbia County Coroner’s Office. Authorities stated that the investigation is in its early stages and could take several days to complete.
The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or captured video footage of the incident to come forward.
Individuals can contact investigators at (518) 828-3344.
More information will be released as it becomes available.