The U.S. Coast Guard has released the names of all six individuals, which include four Canadians, who were on board an air ambulance based in Ontario that disappeared off the coast of Massachusetts over the weekend.
The four Canadian crew members, who were employees of Latitude Air Ambulance in Ontario, were identified as Philip Gregory Childerhose, Thomas Henry Farquhar, Sarah Jane Paton, and Jolene Beth Weir. The two passengers from Bermuda were Marilyn Lavonne Bean, 66, and her son Sergio Wayne Lottimore, aged 41.
Sergio Wayne Lottimore, who was employed in the insurance sector, was recognized for his academic achievements and leadership qualities by his former school.
Rear Adm. Matthew Lake, the commander of the U.S. Coast Guard Northeast District, expressed condolences to the families and friends affected by the tragic incident.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) will lead the investigation into the incident, as confirmed by the U.S. Coast Guard statement.
Latitude Air Ambulance provided details about the crew members of the missing jet, known as Heartbeat 104, praising their dedication and unique qualities.
The company emphasized that the crew members were committed to assisting individuals during critical moments and highlighted their positive impact on those around them.
Latitude Air Ambulance, a provider of emergency medical transportation services globally, pledged support to the families of the crew members and its staff during this challenging period.
The company requested privacy for the families and assured cooperation with Canadian and American aviation authorities for the investigation without speculating on the cause of the incident.
The air ambulance was en route to Boston from Bermuda when it vanished on Saturday. The pilot had reported electrical issues and declared an emergency before losing contact with air traffic control.
Debris from the aircraft was discovered 32 kilometers off Nantucket, prompting the U.S. Coast Guard to suspend search and rescue operations and initiate recovery efforts.
Latitude Air Ambulance acknowledged the suspension of search operations and the tragic likelihood of the crew, patient, and patient’s family escort not surviving the incident.