Six people aboard a medical evacuation jet that disappeared over the Atlantic near Nantucket have been identified as a Bermudian mother and son and four Canadian crew members. The Gulfstream G100 was flying from Bermuda to Boston when it reportedly experienced electrical difficulties and descended rapidly. The U.S. Coast Guard suspended its search after debris associated with the aircraft was found, while Canadian authorities lead the investigation.
The flight was transporting Marilyn Lavonne Bean, 66, to Boston for treatment related to a stroke. Her son, Sergio Wayne Lottimore, accompanied her on the overnight medevac flight.
| 1) | Passengers and Canadian crew members identified |
| 2) | Flight path and rapid descent before disappearance |
| 3) | Search suspended after debris was located |
| 4) | Families and colleagues mourn those aboard |
| 5) | Canada leads the investigation into the crash |
Passengers and Canadian crew members identified
Marilyn Lavonne Bean and Sergio Wayne Lottimore, both from Bermuda, were among the six people aboard the aircraft. Bean was being flown to Boston for medical care connected to a stroke, while her son traveled with her.
The four Canadian crew members were identified as captain Philip Gregory Childerhose, first officer Thomas Henry Farquhar, flight nurse Sarah Jane Paton and respiratory therapist Jolene Beth Weir. The aircraft was operated by Latitude Air Ambulance, a Canadian medical transport company.
Flight path and rapid descent before disappearance
The Gulfstream G100 departed L.F. Wade International Airport in Bermuda late Friday night, bound for Boston Logan International Airport. The trip was expected to take about two hours and was being conducted as a medical evacuation flight.
As the aircraft approached the Boston area early Saturday, the crew reported electrical difficulties, according to the Transportation Safety Board of Canada. Flight tracking data indicated that the jet descended from approximately 24,000 feet to 11,000 feet in about three minutes. Air traffic control later lost contact with the aircraft south of Nantucket.
Search suspended after debris was located
The disappearance triggered a major U.S. Coast Guard search in the Atlantic near Nantucket. The Federal Aviation Administration issued a Search and Rescue Alert Notice at about 1:20 a.m. Eastern time, and the aircraft did not arrive at Boston Logan.
The Coast Guard suspended its search on Sunday after a civilian vessel located debris associated with the aircraft. The six people aboard were not found. The cause of the incident has not been determined.
Families and colleagues mourn those aboard
Sergio Wayne Lottimore was senior vice president and head of specialty reinsurance at Hamilton Re. The Bermuda-based company described him as a respected leader, colleague and friend. He was also a 2002 graduate of Warwick Academy, where he had served as a prefect and was remembered as an outstanding person.
Bermuda Police assigned a family liaison officer to assist the relatives. Latitude Air Ambulance President Peter Byl said the company was focused on supporting the families, its employees and authorities.
“We will honour our colleagues by remembering the care, professionalism, and commitment they brought to their work every day.”
A senior Coast Guard commander also expressed condolences to the families and thanked the crews and partner agencies that responded to the incident.
Canada leads the investigation into the crash
Canada is leading the investigation because the aircraft was registered there, in accordance with international agreements. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is responsible for the investigation, while the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board is assisting as an accredited representative.
Investigators will examine the reported electrical problems, flight data, air traffic communications, debris and other available evidence. No official cause has been announced, and the circumstances surrounding the rapid descent remain under review.
| 1 | Six people were aboard the medevac jet, including two Bermudian passengers and four Canadian crew members. |
|---|---|
| 2 | The flight traveled from Bermuda to Boston and reported electrical difficulties near the Boston area. |
| 3 | The aircraft descended about 13,000 feet in roughly three minutes before contact was lost. |
| 4 | The Coast Guard suspended its search after debris linked to the aircraft was found. |
| 5 | Canadian investigators lead the inquiry, with U.S. authorities assisting. |
Summary
The identities of all six people aboard the missing medevac jet have been released. The aircraft disappeared after reporting electrical difficulties and undergoing a rapid descent south of Nantucket. Debris has been located, the Coast Guard search has ended, and investigators have not yet determined what caused the incident.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was aboard the missing aircraft?
Marilyn Lavonne Bean, Sergio Wayne Lottimore, Philip Gregory Childerhose, Thomas Henry Farquhar, Sarah Jane Paton and Jolene Beth Weir were aboard.
Where was the aircraft traveling?
The Gulfstream G100 was traveling from Bermuda’s L.F. Wade International Airport to Boston Logan International Airport for a medical transport flight.
What is known about the investigation?
Canada is leading the investigation because the aircraft was Canadian-registered. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board is assisting, and the cause has not been determined.