Authorities have identified the two people killed in a plane crash near Fort Lauderdale on Monday morning as Christian ministry leader Alexander Wurm, 53, and his daughter, 22-year-old Serena Wurm.
As The New York Post reported, the pair were en route to Jamaica to deliver hurricane relief supplies when their aircraft went down shortly after takeoff.
Officials said the Beechcraft King Air turboprop departed Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport just after 10 a.m. before crashing into a pond in a residential neighborhood.
Surveillance video captured the aircraft descending rapidly before impact. Both Wurm and his daughter were pronounced dead at the scene.
The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the cause of the crash. Preliminary reports indicated the plane went down minutes after departure, though no distress call has yet been confirmed.
Wurm was the founder and CEO of Ignite the Fire, an evangelical Christian ministry based in Florida that focuses on international missions and humanitarian outreach.
The ministry released a statement mourning the loss of Wurm and his daughter, describing them as devoted servants who dedicated their lives to helping others.
Christian ministry CEO, daughter ID’d as victims in plane crash en route to Jamaica with hurricane relief supplies https://t.co/d7RUjdawe5 pic.twitter.com/X6rQXXVEHB
— New York Post (@nypost) November 11, 2025
“Alexander, known for his warmth and unwavering kindness, devoted his life to serving others — both through his actions and by sharing the gospel of Jesus across the globe,” the ministry wrote in a post on social media.
“Throughout his life, Alex travelled extensively, reaching various countries and continents, where he tirelessly worked to bring faith, compassion, and support to those in need.”
The statement also paid tribute to Serena, who had been working alongside her father on humanitarian projects.
“Serena, following in her father’s footsteps, was a beacon of empathy and hope, inspiring all with her commitment to humanitarian work. Together, their final journey embodied selflessness and courage, reminding us of the power of service and love,” Ignite the Fire said.
According to officials, the Wurms’ flight was bound for Jamaica, where the ministry had been coordinating hurricane relief supplies for residents affected by recent storms.
Local media reported that they were transporting essential goods and materials as part of the ministry’s ongoing disaster response efforts.
Neighbors near the crash site said the plane came down in a pond behind several homes, narrowly avoiding nearby houses. Emergency crews responded within minutes, but the aircraft was already submerged.
On a hurricane relief mission to Jamaica, a small turboprop plane crashed into a pond Monday morning in Florida.
The crash left two people dead, happening only five minutes after taking off with the plane barely missing houses.
Here’s my latest: https://t.co/FaJbeou3sv pic.twitter.com/HjSYt96bIL
— Andrew Powell (@AndrewPow3ll) November 11, 2025
Federal investigators are expected to release a preliminary report in the coming weeks as they review flight data and witness accounts.
