Alexander Wurm, Serena Wurm Obituary, Death – Authorities in South Florida are investigating a tragic plane crash that claimed the lives of a Christian missionary and his daughter as they were on their way to deliver aid to Jamaica. The small aircraft, a Beechcraft King Air, went down Monday morning in a Coral Springs neighborhood, landing in a pond and narrowly avoiding nearby homes.
The two people who lost their lives were identified as 53-year-old Alexander Wurm, the founder of the Christian ministry organization Ignite the Fire, and his 22-year-old daughter, Serena Wurm. The pair were en route to Jamaica to support hurricane relief efforts, carrying supplies and materials intended to help communities affected by the recent storms.
According to Ignite the Fire’s website, the organization focuses on empowering young people through faith-based outreach and humanitarian missions throughout the Caribbean. In a heartfelt statement posted on social media, the group described Alexander and Serena as deeply devoted to both their faith and their mission to serve others.
“Together, their final journey reflected compassion and bravery, reminding us of the lasting impact of service and love,” the organization’s statement read. “Alexander and Serena, your legacy of kindness and faith will continue through every life you’ve touched.”
The aircraft had departed from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport around 10:14 a.m. on Monday and crashed just minutes later, according to local authorities. Emergency responders from the Coral Springs Police and Fire Departments arrived at the scene within minutes of the crash. As of Tuesday morning, officials reported no other injuries or damage to surrounding homes.
Records from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) indicate that the plane was built in 1976 and registered to International Air Services, a company known for managing aircraft registration for international clients. Representatives of the company declined to comment on the incident when contacted by reporters.
Social media posts by Alexander Wurm in the days leading up to the flight suggested that he had recently obtained the aircraft for the purpose of expanding the ministry’s outreach. In a post dated November 2, he expressed excitement about the new plane, describing it as “an older King Air with brand new engines — perfect for delivering supplies and aid across the Caribbean.”
“I’ve been flying since 2005,” Wurm wrote, “and I felt that our ministry needed a dedicated airplane to continue blessing the Caribbean with much-needed assistance.” He added that the plane was ready “just in time” for their next mission to Montego Bay, Jamaica, to transport generators, batteries, and building materials to help recovery efforts following the hurricane.
Photos shared on his social media pages showed him proudly standing in the cockpit and unloading boxes of supplies with volunteers. Flight tracking data from FlightAware indicated that the same aircraft had completed several similar missions in recent days, making multiple trips between the Cayman Islands, Montego Bay, and Negril before returning to Fort Lauderdale the previous Friday.
The Broward County community, where Coral Springs is located, includes a large number of Caribbean American residents. Many have been actively involved in collecting and organizing aid since Hurricane Melissa, a powerful Category 5 storm, struck the Caribbean on October 28. The hurricane caused widespread destruction in Jamaica and neighboring countries, including Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic, prompting humanitarian organizations across the region to mobilize relief efforts.
Community members and faith groups across South Florida have expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the Wurms, remembering their dedication to helping others and their commitment to humanitarian causes. Many who knew them personally described them as compassionate individuals whose work brought hope to struggling communities.
As federal and local investigators continue to examine what caused the crash, tributes continue to pour in for the father and daughter whose lives were devoted to service. Their legacy, friends and fellow missionaries said, will continue through the ministry they built and the countless people they inspired through their faith and acts of kindness.
