Mexican authorities have released the identities of those killed after a Mexican Navy medical aircraft crashed into Galveston Bay while transporting a critically injured burn patient on a humanitarian mission.

The Secretariat of the Navy of Mexico (SEMAR) confirmed that the King Air ANX-1209 aircraft, operated by the Mexican Navy, went down Monday while en route from Mexico to Galveston, Texas.

The flight was part of a medical evacuation under Plan Marina, conducted in coordination with the Michou and Mau Foundation, which specializes in transporting children with severe burns for advanced treatment.

Multiple agencies responded to the crash, including the U.S. Coast Guard, Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office.

A large law enforcement and first-responder presence was observed near the base of the Interstate 45 Causeway as rescue and recovery operations unfolded.

SEMAR confirmed that eight people were aboard the aircraft: four members of the naval crew and four civilians.

Of those, five have been confirmed dead, one remains missing and is presumed deceased, and two survived and are receiving medical care.

Confirmed fatalities – Mexican Navy personnel:

• Lieutenant A.N. P.A. Víctor Rafael Pérez Hernández
• Lieutenant S.S.N. Juan Iván Zaragoza Flores
• Marinero A.N. E. Av. Guadalupe Flores Barranco

Missing and presumed deceased:

• Lieutenant A.N. P.A. Luis Enrique Castillo Terrones
  (His body has not been recovered; however, SEMAR stated that given the circumstances, he is presumed deceased.)

Civilian passengers who died:

• Federico Efraín Ramírez Cruz, pediatric burn patient
• Dr. Juan Alfonso Adame González, physician accompanying the patient

Survivors:

• Julia Aracelis Cruz Vera, patient companion
• Miriam de Jesús Rosas Mancilla, nurse

In a statement, the Mexican Navy emphasized that the aircraft was conducting a humanitarian medical support mission at the time of the crash, underscoring the risks associated with emergency medical evacuations.

The death of Dr. Juan Alfonso Adame González has prompted an outpouring of grief in his hometown of Tomatlán, Jalisco. Community members, colleagues, and local leaders described him as a deeply committed physician who dedicated his life to humanitarian service. He was escorting a severely burned child to Shriners Hospital in Galveston when the crash occurred.

Local tributes described Dr. Adame González as “a brave young man and a hero who gave his life in service to others.” Family members, friends, and colleagues highlighted his unwavering commitment to helping vulnerable children and his strong sense of duty instilled through his upbringing.

SEMAR and the Michou and Mau Foundation also issued statements mourning the loss, noting the critical importance of these missions in saving the lives of children with severe burn injuries.

Investigations into the cause of the crash remain ongoing, with Mexican and U.S. authorities working jointly to determine what led to the incident.

Condolences continue to pour in for the families of all victims, as well as for the community of Tomatlán, which mourns the loss of a physician remembered for his compassion, professionalism, and lifelong dedication to service.