Calvin Wesolowski,Jakob Kindt Obituary, Death; – Officials in Mississippi have reported that three individuals lost their lives following a medical helicopter crash in Madison County.
A representative from the University of Mississippi Medical Center has identified the deceased as Calvin Wesolowski from Starkville, Jakob Kindt from Tupelo, and Dustin Pope from Philadelphia, Mississippi. Wesolowski, aged 62, served as a pilot for Med-Trans. Pope, 35, held the position of base supervisor for AirCare in Columbus and was also a flight nurse. Kindt, 37, worked as a critical care paramedic.
During a press conference on Monday, LouAnn Woodward, Vice Chancellor of the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC), confirmed that the pilot was employed by a company based in Denton, Texas, while the other two individuals were staff members of UMMC. The helicopter was leased by UMMC through Med-Trans.
The three men were the sole occupants of the helicopter at the time of the incident.
The aircraft was airborne for approximately 11 minutes, covering a distance of 23 miles before it crashed west of the upper Ross Barnett Reservoir, near the Natchez Trace Parkway, at around 12:36 p.m.
The UMMC Office of Communications expressed, “UMMC is providing support to the team members and families affected by this tragedy and will continue to assist the AirCare and Mississippi Center for Emergency Services teams, as well as Medical Center employees, in any way possible.”
Madison County Sheriff Randy Tucker informed reporters that the crew had reported a loss of power prior to the crash, after which no further communication was received.
“I reside nearby, and that flight path passes over my home. I frequently see them and often think and pray for those on board, not only the patients but also the personnel caring for them. Many of these individuals are personal friends of mine… I genuinely feel for them,” Tucker remarked.
In response to the crash, Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves released a statement.
In a social media post, he stated, “@firstladyofms and I are praying for the victims of today’s helicopter crash in Madison County. Please keep the families and coworkers of the victims in your thoughts and prayers. This serves as a tragic reminder of the risks involved.”
