A Florida community is mourning an unimaginable loss after a father and daughter were killed in a small plane crash on Monday during what was meant to be a humanitarian mission to Jamaica. According to their ministry, the pair had been en route to deliver hurricane relief supplies when tragedy struck just minutes after takeoff.
Alexander “Alex” Wurm, 53, and his 22-year-old daughter, Serena Wurm, died when their aircraft went down in a waterway in a residential neighborhood of Coral Springs, a suburb of Fort Lauderdale. Witnesses reported hearing the engine sputter before the plane descended sharply, ultimately crashing into the narrow canal that runs alongside several homes. Emergency crews rushed to the scene, but both victims were pronounced dead shortly afterward.
Ignite the Fire Ministry, the organization the Wurms served with, released a deeply emotional statement late Monday honoring their lives, their character, and the mission that defined them. The ministry described Alexander Wurm as a man known for his “warmth and unwavering kindness”, noting that he had dedicated decades of his life to global outreach.
“Throughout his life, Alex traveled extensively, reaching various countries and continents, where he tirelessly worked to bring faith, compassion, and support to those in need,” the ministry wrote. “His legacy of faith and compassion touched countless lives.”
Serena, the ministry said, had embraced her father’s path from a young age. Known for her gentle spirit and natural empathy, she was described as a “beacon of hope” who inspired others with her commitment to humanitarian service. Friends said Serena had recently become more involved in relief missions, eager to help communities recovering from hurricanes across the Caribbean.
“Together, their final journey embodied selflessness and courage,” the ministry added, “reminding us of the power of service and love.”
The Wurm family is now left shattered by their loss. Alexander and Serena are survived by Alex’s wife and Serena’s mother, Candace, along with two younger children — 17-year-old James and 20-year-old Christiana. Loved ones say the family had always been tightly knit, often participating together in ministry events and volunteer work.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched a full investigation into the crash. According to preliminary information, the plane had departed from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport and was headed for Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Officials said the aircraft went down approximately five minutes after takeoff, a window during which mechanical issues, weather conditions, or pilot distress can quickly become fatal.
Investigators have begun examining wreckage recovered from the waterway, reviewing flight data, and interviewing witnesses. A full report is expected in the coming months.
Meanwhile, tributes have been pouring in from Florida to Jamaica and beyond. Members of the ministry, local churches, and communities abroad have shared stories of the compassion and dedication Alex and Serena brought to every mission. Many recalled moments when the father-daughter duo worked side by side, lifting boxes of food, delivering supplies, and offering prayers to families struck by disaster.
Their deaths mark a heartbreaking end to a journey rooted in love, service, and the desire to help others. For many, the Wurms’ final mission stands as a powerful symbol of the lengths people will go to in order to bring hope to those in need — even at great personal risk.
As the investigation continues, the family and their community ask for prayers, privacy, and support as they navigate a loss that has shaken all who knew them.
