The transport ministry confirmed 14 people were on board the flight, including crew members. Among the dead was well-known Honduran musician and politician Aurelio Martínez.
Martínez was a respected figure in the Garífuna community. Belize’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs paid tribute, calling him a “great friend of Belize and a true champion of Garífuna culture and music.” They added, “His passing leaves a void in the world of music and culture, but his legacy will live on.”
Reports suggest the crash was likely due to mechanical failure. The U.S. State Department confirmed the death of an American citizen and expressed condolences to the family.
