Air ambulance jet crash leaves six presumed dead off Massachusetts

A Latitude Air Ambulance Gulfstream G100 jet carrying six people disappeared over the Atlantic Ocean on Oct. 3 while flying from Bermuda to Boston, and all occupants are presumed dead after debris was found off Nantucket, Massachusetts, according to authorities and the company.

The aircraft, known as Heartbeat 104 Medevac, was reported missing after electrical difficulties were followed by an emergency declaration from the pilot, according to CP24. Air traffic controllers later lost contact with the plane after reports it descended rapidly.

The U.S. Coast Guard identified four Canadian occupants as Philip Gregory Childerhose, Thomas Henry Farquhar, Sarah Jane Paton, and Jolene Beth Weir. Bermuda Police Service identified the other passengers as Marilyn Lavonne Bean, 66, and her son Sergio Wayne Lottimore, 41.

Coast Guard Rear Adm. Matthew Lake offered condolences after the search operation was suspended and said authorities would continue supporting Canadian investigators.

"During this incredibly difficult time, our heartfelt condolences go out to the families and friends impacted by this tragic incident," said Rear Adm. Matthew Lake, commander of the Coast Guard Northeast District.

Lake said crews and partner agencies responded quickly after the aircraft disappeared during the flight from Bermuda to Boston.

"We are grateful to the crews and partner agencies who quickly responded to this incident, and we will continue to support our Canadian partners as they conduct their investigation," said Rear Adm. Matthew Lake, commander of the Coast Guard Northeast District.

Bermuda Police Service said it appointed a family liaison officer to support relatives of Bean and Lottimore following the crash.

"during this difficult time," said Bermuda Police Service in describing the support provided to Bean and Lottimore’s relatives.

The Bermuda Police Service also issued a statement expressing sympathy for the families of the two Bermudian nationals aboard the aircraft.

"The BPS extends sincere condolences," said Bermuda Police Service.

Latitude Air Ambulance said the four crew members, the patient, and the patient’s family escort were presumed to have died after the search and rescue phase ended. The company identified the aircraft crew as members of its Hamilton, Ontario-based team.

"Given the information shared by authorities and the conclusion of the search and rescue phase, we must now face the heartbreaking reality that the four members of our Latitude team, our patient and the patient’s family escort, who were aboard Heartbeat 104, are presumed to have died," said Latitude Air Ambulance.

Latitude President Peter Byl described the crash as a major loss for the organization and said the company was focused on assisting families, employees, and investigators.

"unimaginable loss for our Latitude family and for everyone who loved the six people aboard Heartbeat 104," said Peter Byl, president of Latitude Air Ambulance.

The company also recognized the work of those involved in the search effort and highlighted the role of its crew in providing medical transport services.

"worked tirelessly" and "professionalism, determination, and compassion" said Latitude Air Ambulance in its statement about the search response and the qualities it said would be remembered.

Canada’s Transportation Safety Board will lead the investigation into the Oct. 3 crash. The agency said it will deploy investigators with assistance from the National Transportation Safety Board during recovery and examination efforts.

The Transportation Safety Board is responsible for investigating air, marine, pipeline, and rail transportation occurrences in Canada.

Thomas Farquhar, one of the Canadian crew members, was identified by Prairie College in Three Hills, Alberta, as a pilot originally from Regina. The school confirmed Farquhar was among the crew aboard the missing Gulfstream G100.

Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath expressed condolences to the families, Latitude employees, and the wider community after the crash.

"tragic loss of life," said Andrea Horwath, mayor of Hamilton.

Horwath said the city was supporting those affected by the disappearance of the Hamilton-based air ambulance aircraft.

"My heart goes out to the families and loved ones of those who were aboard, and to the entire Latitude team as they mourn the loss of their colleagues and friends," said Andrea Horwath, mayor of Hamilton.

Horwath noted that Latitude operates from Hamilton International Airport and is part of the local aviation community.

"Latitude is part of our Hamilton community, operating out of Hamilton International Airport. On behalf of the @cityofhamilton, I extend my deepest condolences to everyone affected by this tragedy," said Andrea Horwath, mayor of Hamilton.

Bermuda Premier David Burt also expressed condolences after authorities ended the search and identified the six people aboard the aircraft.

"While we held out hope for the best, the worst fears have been realized and so our first thoughts are with the families of those so tragically lost," said David Burt, Bermuda premier.

Burt said support from the community was important as families responded to the loss.

"Let us open our hearts to the families in the hope that our expressions of love, support and compassion will bring some comfort as they attempt to deal with this terrible loss," said David Burt, Bermuda premier.

Ornge air ambulance said the incident was especially difficult for aviation and critical care transport workers.

"As an organization whose people work in aviation & critical care transport every day, we know this news will be particularly difficult," said Ornge air ambulance.

Ornge said its organization was extending sympathy to the families, colleagues, and others affected by the crash.

"Everyone at Ornge is thinking of those affected & extending our deepest sympathies to the families, loved ones and colleagues of those onboard," said Ornge air ambulance.