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\nA father and daughter have been killed after the plane they were traveling in crashed in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Monday, Nov. 10Alexander Wurm, 53, and his daughter Serena, 22, who were identified by their ministry, were transporting supplies to Jamaica following the devastation from Hurricane MelissaThe FAA and the NTSB are investigating the incident, authorities said<\/p>\n
A father and daughter have died after the small plane they were traveling in, which was carrying relief supplies for Jamaica following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa<\/a>, crashed in Florida.\n<\/p>\n On Monday, Nov. 10 at 10:19 a.m. local time, the Coral Springs Police Department and the Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department responded to 5000 NW 57th Way in the Fort Lauderdale suburb in reference to a plane crash, authorities said in a news release<\/a> shared on the City of Coral Springs government website.\n<\/p>\n Police then confirmed that “two people tragically lost their lives” in the accident in a further update.\n<\/p>\n The tragedy occurred shortly after the plane took off at approximately 10:14 a.m. from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport, according to CNN<\/a>, which cited a spokesperson for the City of Fort Lauderdale. The turboprop plane is believed to have crashed into a pond in a gated residential neighborhood, narrowly missing homes.\n<\/p>\n The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) confirmed in an X post<\/a> that it is investigating Monday’s crash, adding that it was a Beech B100 airplane that went down. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is also investigating, per the release.\n<\/p>\n Alexander and Serena Wurm.<\/p>\n Ignite the Fire\/Facebook<\/p>\n The dad and daughter’s ministry, Ignite the Fire<\/a>, identified Alexander Wurm, 53, and his daughter Serena, 22, as the victims of the crash in a Facebook post<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n The organization, which has been documenting its efforts to help on social media<\/a> amid the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, announced the “devastating news” alongside a photograph of the two victims, writing that they’d died “while bringing humanitarian aid to Jamaica.”\n<\/p>\n The tribute said that Alexander, who was the founder of the evangelical Christian ministry, was “known for his warmth and unwavering kindness.”\n<\/p>\n “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. His legacy of faith and compassion touched countless lives. There are not enough words to describe him,” the message read.\n<\/p>\n The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica.<\/p>\n RICARDO MAKYN\/AFP via Getty<\/p>\n The statement included, “Beyond all the roles\u2014 Husband, father, friend, counsellor, mentor\u2014he was the person we could be completely raw with, and he\u2019d meet us there with grace and understanding. May his love and wisdom continue to echo through everything we do.”\n<\/p>\n The ministry added, “Evangelist Wurm is the founder of Ignite the Fire Ministry, dedicated to empowering youth through missions and evangelism across the Caribbean. They aim to cultivate volunteers who are passionate about making a difference, fostering leadership and community involvement.”\n<\/p>\n “Alex leaves behind his beautiful wife, Candace, and two children, son James (17) and daughter Christiana (20). Serena, following in her father\u2019s 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,” the Facebook post read.\n<\/p>\n It concluded, “As we [honor] their memory, may we continue their legacy of generosity, compassion, and faith. Rest in peace, Alexander and Serena\u2014your light endures in all whose lives you changed.”\n<\/p>\n Michelle Saldeba, who wrote the tribute, added to PEOPLE, “I must say there are not enough words to describe the man Alex Wurm was,” adding that communities all around the world were “devastated” by the news, including the Cayman Islands, where Alexander resided with his family.\n<\/p>\n “We rejoice in the hope and peace that he is with God in heaven. Continued prayers for his wife, Candace and kids at this time,” Saldeba continued.\n<\/p>\n The City of Coral Springs’ news release stated, “There will be a significant police presence in the area of Windsor Bay throughout the remainder of the day and tomorrow as investigators work to collect evidence.”\n<\/p>\n “Residents may notice a strong odor of fuel in the air. While the majority of these fumes have evaporated, it may take time for the remainder to dissipate. The city strongly recommends residents in the area to avoid being outdoors and keep doors closed for the remainder of the night,” the post added.\n<\/p>\n Never miss a story \u2014 sign up for\u00a0PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter<\/a>\u00a0to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer\u200b\u200b, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n The victims were heading to Jamaica to help after Hurricane Melissa made landfall as a Category 5 storm<\/a> on the island on Oct. 28.\n<\/p>\n Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness previously declared the island a “disaster area,” per a Facebook post<\/a> shared on the day the hurricane hit.\n<\/p>\n Areas in countries including Cuba, Haiti and the Dominican Republic also experienced devastating effects from the storm, with communities now attempting to rebuild.\n<\/p>\n Coral Springs Police Chief Brad Mock, the Coral Springs Fire Department, the National Transportation Safety Board, the Broward Sheriff\u2019s Office and the Federal Aviation Administration did not immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for additional information regarding Monday’s crash.<\/p>\n