What began as a routine flight quickly turned into a devastating tragedy when a Jetstream 32 aircraft crashed into the sea near Roatán, Honduras, on March 17, 2025. The Honduran Civil Aviation Agency (AHAC) confirmed that the Lanhsa-operated plane went down shortly after takeoff, claiming the lives of 12 people and leaving a nation in mourning.

The aircraft had departed from Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport, en route to Guillermo Anderson Airport in La Ceiba, carrying 17 people onboard—including two pilots, a flight attendant, and 14 passengers. Preliminary reports suggest the plane lost engine power due to a suspected mechanical failure, crashing approximately one kilometer from the runway.

Authorities quickly activated the Search and Rescue Commission (SAR), with police, emergency response teams, and local fishermen working tirelessly to locate survivors and recover victims. Among those confirmed dead was the beloved Garifuna singer Aurelio Martínez Suazo, whose passing left a deep void in the music community. His body was recovered from the wreckage, still dressed in the outfit he wore while filming in Punta Gorda earlier that day.

The tragedy also took the lives of co-pilot Francisco Lagos and passengers Carlos Edwin Mejía, his wife Alba Rosa Acosta Torres, and their daughters Rosmery Nicolle and Karla Abigail Mejía Acosta. Other victims included Nidia Miranda Benítez, Yeimi Alejandra Duarte Urribiera, Seida Siomara Torres, Angie Flores Hernández, and Andrea Abigail Flores Hernández.

As news of the crash spread, tributes poured in from around the world. British musician Peter Gabriel, who had worked with Suazo through Real World Records and the WOMAD festival, expressed his sorrow, praising the late artist’s contributions to Garifuna culture. Singer Kezia Young also shared her grief, recalling Suazo’s encouragement and support throughout her career.

Survivors of the crash included Jayro Vargas Reyes, Luis Mejía Mejía, Helene Odile Guirvach, Liliana Rosa Estrada, and Alejandra Henríquez. Their rescue was made possible by heroic efforts from local fishermen who arrived at the crash site within minutes. Fisherman Aldair Alemán described the harrowing experience, recounting how they initially found deceased passengers before hearing the cries of survivors. Prioritizing the living, they pulled five people to safety, ensuring their survival until emergency teams arrived.