Father and Daughter Killed in Florida Plane Crash While Delivering Relief Supplies
A tight-knit Florida and Caribbean humanitarian community is mourning the deaths of Alexander Wurm, 53, and his daughter Serena, 22, who were killed Monday when their small aircraft crashed into a lake in Coral Springs shortly after takeoff from Fort Lauderdale. The pair were transporting hurricane relief supplies to Jamaica when the plane went down—an effort consistent with the family’s long history of faith-driven service.
Wurm was the founder of Ignite the Fire, a Christian youth-focused outreach organization known across the Caribbean for its mission trips, leadership programs, and disaster-response work. In a public statement, the organization described Wurm as a man who spent his life traveling “across countries and continents… bringing faith, compassion, and support to those in need.”
Community members say his work reflects a broader regional trend in which faith-based groups supplement official disaster recovery efforts, especially in hurricane-prone areas like Jamaica. Wurm’s missions often filled critical gaps by providing supplies, volunteers, and mentorship to young people navigating post-storm trauma.
Serena, the youngest adult member of the Wurm family, had recently become more active in mission work. Friends described her as “a beacon of empathy”—a young woman who inherited her father’s commitment to humanitarian service. Ignite the Fire emphasized that her presence on the flight was not symbolic but deeply intentional. “Serena, following in her father’s footsteps, inspired all with her compassion. Their final journey embodied selflessness and courage.”
The crash has also drawn attention to the risks routinely taken by volunteers who travel to remote or disaster-affected regions. Aviation and humanitarian experts note that small, privately operated flights—often used for quick or difficult-to-reach deliveries—can be particularly vulnerable during urgent relief deployments.
Wurm leaves behind his wife, Candace, and two children, James, 17, and Christiana, 20. Supporters have already begun organizing vigils and private gatherings to honor the family, who are widely regarded as pillars of their church and mission community.
As tributes continue pouring in across Florida and the Caribbean, many say the legacy of Alex and Serena Wurm will be defined not by the tragedy of their deaths but by the generosity and faith that guided every chapter of their lives.
