A father and daughter lost their lives on Monday in a small plane crash in Coral Springs, Florida, while en route to Jamaica on a humanitarian relief mission.
Alexander Wurm, 53, and his daughter, Serena Wurm, 22, were part of a flight organized to deliver hurricane relief supplies when their aircraft went down in a residential waterway shortly after takeoff from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport. The National Transportation Safety Board confirmed that an investigation into the cause of the crash is underway.
According to Ignite the Fire Ministry, the faith-based organization the Wurm family helped lead, the pair were known for their devotion to service and compassion. In a statement Monday night, the ministry described Alexander as a man of “warmth and unwavering kindness” who “devoted his life to serving others.”
“Throughout his life, Alex traveled widely, reaching communities across continents to bring faith, compassion, and support to those in need,” the statement read. “His legacy of faith and generosity touched countless lives.”
Serena, following in her father’s footsteps, was remembered as “a beacon of empathy and hope,” the ministry added — someone whose “commitment to humanitarian work inspired all who knew her.”
“Together, their final journey embodied selflessness and courage, reminding us of the power of service and love,” the statement concluded.
Alexander and Serena Wurm are survived by wife and mother Candace Wurm, and by Alexander’s two other children, James (17) and Christiana (20).
The aircraft, bound for Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, Jamaica, went down roughly five minutes after takeoff. No other casualties were reported.
For those who knew the Wurm family, their loss is felt deeply — not only as a tragedy, but as the passing of two hearts whose final mission was one of compassion. Their lives, rooted in service, faith, and love, continue to inspire the many lives they touched.