A heartbreaking tragedy has shaken the Bahamas after a small Flamingo Air aircraft crashed on Friday, claiming the lives of all 10 people on board—including five members of the beloved Bahamian music group Da Pond Band and well-known DJ Fresh.
The aircraft departed Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau on a short flight to San Andros, a journey that typically takes less than 20 minutes. However, the flight ended in disaster when the plane crashed in North Andros. Investigators are now working to determine what caused the fatal accident.
Singer Shaniese Miller, who performed with the band just days before the tragedy, spoke through tears about the devastating loss.
“I’m still shocked that they’re gone. I can’t believe it. They’re my family and I never expected that to happen,” she said.
Miller recalled how the band had been excited about traveling to Andros for an Independence Day celebration, where they were scheduled to perform. She said they had enjoyed a joyful performance together in Nassau the previous week and were looking forward to the event.
The victims from Da Pond Band have been identified as Giovanni McKenzie, Mateo Winder, Rashad Storr, Tonique Gilot, and Travis Johnson. They were joined on the flight by Melvin Henfield, better known as DJ Fresh, who was also killed in the crash.
Another vocalist with the band, Shenia Roberts, had flown to Andros earlier that same day aboard the same aircraft with the same pilot before the fatal return trip. She described the aircraft as appearing old but said she experienced no problems during her flight.
Speaking about the friends she lost, Roberts said they were more than bandmates—they were the people she spoke to every day and considered family.
The tragedy has left the nation in mourning. Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis extended his condolences to the grieving families, calling it a “painful moment” and urging compassion and privacy as investigators continue their work.
The Bahamas Musicians and Entertainers Union also honored the victims, saying their passion and artistry enriched the country’s cultural heritage and touched countless lives.
Three other passengers aboard the flight, who were not performers, also lost their lives. Authorities have not yet released their identities.
In a troubling development, Bahamian officials confirmed that Flamingo Air suspended all operations after two emergency incidents occurred on the same day, including another aircraft that caught fire after landing safely in Nassau.
As investigators examine the wreckage and search for answers, an entire nation is mourning the loss of talented musicians whose music brought joy to so many.
