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.
Austin, TX – Emergency crews responded to a significant structural collapse with a reported explosion at a residence located at 10407 Double Spur Loop, just off Yaupon Drive, shortly before 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, according to the Austin Fire Department (AFD).
Upon arrival, firefighters discovered a two-story home that had sustained catastrophic damage due to an unknown event that led to a complete or partial structural collapse.
Initial reports indicated an explosion may have preceded the collapse, though the exact cause remains under investigation.
AFD crews conducted a rapid search of the debris and located one individual trapped inside the residence.
That person was safely extricated by rescue personnel and transferred to Austin-Travis County EMS (ATCEMS) for medical evaluation and treatment.
The patient’s condition has not been disclosed at this time.
ATCEMS confirmed that multiple individuals may have been injured as a result of the incident.
The exact number of patients and the nature of their injuries have not yet been released.
Emergency responders from both fire and EMS departments remain on the scene, and investigators are working to determine the origin and cause of the explosion and collapse.
Residents in the area are asked to avoid the vicinity while emergency operations continue.
Additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.