10 Dead Including Da Pond Band Members in Bahamas Plane Crash

Ten Dead Including Da Pond Band Members in Bahamas Plane Crash

Ten people are dead following a plane crash on the island of Andros in the Bahamas, an incident that claimed the lives of several prominent local musicians and entertainers. The crash occurred on Friday, July 10, 2026, as the country marked its Independence Day.

According to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA), the aircraft, a Cessna 402 with registration C6-FLX, departed Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau shortly after 1 p.m. local time. The flight was bound for San Andros Airport on Andros Island. The aircraft, operated by Flamingo Air, reportedly encountered difficulties and crashed into bushes in North Andros before reaching its destination.

While officials initially reported seven fatalities, Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis later confirmed that 10 people were on board. Although one individual was initially reported as a survivor, Police Commissioner Shanta Knowles later confirmed that the sole survivor had died.

Loss of Da Pond Band and Local Entertainment Figures

The crash has had a profound impact on the Bahamian music community. Among the victims were five members of the popular musical group Da Pond Band, who were traveling to Andros Island to perform at an Independence Day celebration, specifically the 31st annual All-Andros and the Berry Island Regatta.

The band members identified as having died in the crash are Giovanni McKenzie, Mateo Winder, Rashad Storr, Tonique Gilot, and Travis Johnson. Additionally, Melvin Henfield, a popular local entertainer known as DJ Fresh, was confirmed to be on the flight.

The Bahamas Musicians and Entertainers Union released a statement mourning the loss, noting that the victims’ passion and artistry helped enrich the cultural fabric of the Bahamas. Surviving band members have expressed deep shock and grief. Lamar Polhamus, a singer for the group, stated that the band lost its “core, the heart, and the life” of the ensemble and requested space and support as the group processes the tragedy.

Investigating the Circumstances of the Flight

The circumstances leading up to the departure are currently part of the broader investigation. According to text messages provided by a surviving band member, the pilot of the Cessna 402 had waited on the tarmac for approximately two hours after the scheduled departure time to fill additional seats on the aircraft.

Aviation sources noted that it is a common practice in the Bahamas to wait for a plane to reach capacity if the client is paying per seat rather than chartering the entire aircraft. However, surviving band vocalist Shenia Roberts stated that the band believed they had chartered the plane exclusively for the performers.

Beyond the loss of the entertainers, other families are reeling from the tragedy. Anasthasia Rolle identified her 16-year-old son, Nicholas Oliver Jr., as a victim of the crash, stating that he had been added to the flight at the last minute to travel to the island to visit family.

Flamingo Air Operations Suspended

The crash was the second emergency involving a Flamingo Air aircraft on the same day. Earlier on July 10, another Flamingo Air flight bound for Mayaguana was forced to return to Nassau after the pilot reported a technical concern. Upon landing and deplaning, that aircraft caught fire. No injuries were reported in that incident.

In response to the two incidents, the Ministry of Energy, Utilities and Aviation announced that the Civil Aviation Authority Bahamas has temporarily suspended Flamingo Air’s Air Operator Certificate as a precautionary safety measure while the AAIA investigation continues.

The exact cause of the fatal crash in North Andros remains under investigation. Officials have requested that anyone with information regarding the accident contact the AAIA at 242-376-8334 or via email at [email protected].

Prime Minister Davis expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased in a post on X, emphasizing that the affected families deserve compassion and privacy as the investigation proceeds.

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