URGENT UPDATE: A tragic plane crash in Coral Springs, Florida, claimed the lives of a father and daughter on November 10, 2025. Christian missionary and founder of Ignite the Fire, Alexander Wurm, 53, and his daughter, Serena Wurm, 22, were en route to deliver humanitarian aid to Jamaica when their Beechcraft King Air aircraft went down shortly after taking off from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport at approximately 10:14 a.m.
The plane, which crashed into a pond in a residential area, narrowly avoided nearby homes, adding to the shock of the local community. Emergency responders were on the scene within five minutes but reported no other casualties at this time. Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are currently at the site gathering evidence as the investigation unfolds.
Ignite the Fire, the missionary organization founded by the Wurms, is known for empowering youth through missions across the Caribbean. A heartfelt statement from the organization emphasized the duo’s commitment to humanitarian work, saying, “Together, their final journey embodied selflessness and courage.” The organization also expressed, “Rest in peace, Alexander and Serena — your light endures in all whose lives you changed.”
The Wurms were set to assist in relief efforts following Hurricane Melissa, a powerful Category 5 storm that struck Jamaica on October 28, causing significant destruction. Their mission was to deliver essential supplies, including generators and building materials, to support recovery efforts in the wake of the hurricane.
According to social media posts from Alexander Wurm, he had just acquired the plane to facilitate his ministry’s outreach. He described the aircraft as “perfect” for ferrying aid and expressed excitement about its capabilities. The plane had made several trips to Jamaica in the week leading up to the crash, tracking between the Cayman Islands and various locations in Jamaica.
Authorities confirm that the plane, built in 1976, was registered to International Air Services, a company that assists non-U.S. citizens in registering aircrafts with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Officials from the company declined to comment when contacted.
As the community mourns this devastating loss, Coral Springs residents are coming together, united in grief and reflection on the Wurms’ impactful lives. The Coral Springs Police Department has established a significant presence at the crash site while investigators work to determine the cause of the incident.
The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa has mobilized many in the vibrant Caribbean American community in Broward County, who have been actively collecting relief supplies for those affected by the storm’s devastation.
The NTSB has committed to providing updates on their investigation as new information becomes available. Community members and officials alike are watching closely, hoping to learn more about the circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking tragedy.
