By: Staff Writer
July 14, 2026
A deadly plane crash in North Andros in The Bahamas last Friday has left 10 dead and a country mourning after the tragedy.
Five members of the well known Da Pond Music Band died in the crash, including band leader Giovanni McKenzie, Rashad Storr, Mateo Winder, Toniquea Gilot, and Tra’vis Johnson. Melvin Henfield, a DJ, and Andros natives Quintin Myers and Macaro Rolle, who both worked at Ocean Cay, were also onboard the flight.
The pilot, Franklyn Cambridge, also died in the crash. Relatives of Nicholas Oliver Jr., 16, said they believe he was also onboard the plane when it crashed.
The plane, a Cessna 402, departed Lynden Pindling International Airport shortly after 1pm on a scheduled flight to the San Andros Airport carrying its passengers.
It crashed in bushes near the airport leaving the nation grappling with one of its deadliest aviation disasters in decades; triggering an immediate search for survivors and the temporary suspension of the airline’s, Flamingo Air, Air Operator Certificate.
Initial reports indicated that Rolle, was found alive at the site of the crash but later succumbed to his injuries.
investigators immediately began work under the Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority Act and international aviation protocols. Countries entitled to participate in the investigation have also been informed and may appoint accredited representatives to assist.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) Chief Investigator Kendall Dorsett Jr has been appointed investigator-in-charge of the investigation.
Officials said investigators will examine all aspects of the occurrence, including the aircraft, flight operations, maintenance records, meteorological information, air traffic services and any other relevant evidence.
“At this stage of the investigation, no determination has been made regarding the cause or contributing factors of the accident,” the AAIA said, adding that all information currently available is preliminary and subject to change as additional evidence is obtained and analysed.
Kelson Fowler, a friend of Rolle, told a local media outlet that he raced to the crash site and sat with his friend for nearly two hours, praying and calling his relatives.
Rolle was eventually put on an ambulance and taken to the airport while arrangements were being made for an emergency medical flight to the US.
But Rolle died during the wait.
Late Friday night, shortly before midnight, the remains of the victims were transported from Andros to New Providence.
During a press conference on Friday, Prime Minister Philip Davis said that independence day had been marked by tragedy.
“Today is a day of celebration but has become a day of mourning,” he said.
“My wife Ann and I are heartbroken.
“To every family that has received the devastating news that someone they love will not be coming home we offer our deepest condolences. There are no words that can take away your pain.”