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.
WALKER COUNTY, Ala. — Alabama State Troopers are investigating a fatal motorcycle crash that claimed the life of a 63-year-old man Thursday evening in Walker County.
Authorities identified the victim as Roger D. Naramore, a resident of Nauvoo, Alabama.
The collision occurred shortly before 7:30 p.m. on Alabama Highway 5, approximately five miles north of Jasper.
According to Senior Trooper Gregory Corble, Naramore was operating a Suzuki VZ800 motorcycle when he collided with a Chevrolet Trailblazer driven by 32-year-old Kayla House.
Emergency personnel responded to the scene, but Naramore was pronounced dead at the scene as a result of his injuries.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Highway Patrol Division continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.