Tragic AirCare Helicopter Crash – On March 10, 2025, the Jackson, Mississippi community was struck by a devastating tragedy when the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) confirmed that three members of the UMMC AirCare team had lost their lives in a helicopter crash. The crash occurred while the helicopter was en route to an emergency call, and it has left the community in deep shock and mourning. The victims—flight nurse Dustin Pope, critical care paramedic Jakob Kindt, and pilot Cal Wesolowski—were known for their unwavering dedication to saving lives, and their deaths have deeply affected not only their families but the entire healthcare and emergency response community.
The victims of this tragic accident were identified as Dustin Pope, 35, of Philadelphia, Mississippi; Jakob Kindt, 37, of Tupelo, Mississippi; and Cal Wesolowski, 62, of Starkville, Mississippi. Each was a highly respected professional, known for their selflessness and commitment to providing critical care under the most dangerous of circumstances. These dedicated individuals had long been pillars of their respective communities and the UMMC AirCare team, and their untimely deaths have created a void in emergency medical services in Mississippi.
Dustin Pope, a flight nurse and base supervisor for AirCare in Columbus, had been with the team since August 2017. Known for his compassionate approach to patient care, Pope was an integral part of the AirCare team, ensuring timely and efficient emergency care for Mississippians in dire need. His colleagues described him as a team player, always ready to offer support, both in the air and on the ground.
Jakob Kindt, a critical care paramedic with UMMC since 2017, was known for his calm demeanor and exceptional medical skills in high-pressure situations. As a key member of the AirCare team, Kindt’s work directly contributed to saving countless lives. His absence leaves a profound gap in the team and a deep sense of loss within the medical community, where he was regarded as a dedicated professional who always put his patients first.
Cal Wesolowski, the 62-year-old pilot, was an experienced aviation professional whose decades-long career ensured the safety of countless patients and medical staff during air transports. With his extensive expertise, Wesolowski had built a reputation as a skilled and reliable pilot. His passing marks a significant loss not only for his family and colleagues but also for the entire Med-Trans team, who relied on his expertise to carry out critical medical flights.
In the wake of this tragic loss, the UMMC has announced that AirCare Transport Services have been temporarily grounded as they work to ensure that emergency air transportation services remain available across the state. This disruption has caused concern, but UMMC has pledged to work closely with healthcare providers to restore full services as quickly as possible. The loss of these three key team members represents a significant challenge to emergency services in Mississippi, but UMMC is committed to continuing their mission to provide life-saving care to those in need.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have both initiated investigations into the cause of the crash. While the investigation is ongoing, authorities have assured the public that it will be thorough and transparent, with updates to follow as new information emerges.
The tragic crash serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those in the medical and aviation fields. Flight nurses, paramedics, and pilots like Pope, Kindt, and Wesolowski risk their lives daily to ensure that patients in critical conditions receive timely medical care. Their commitment to helping others, despite the inherent risks, makes them heroes in the truest sense. The community of Jackson and the broader Mississippi area will forever be grateful for their selfless service.
As the investigation unfolds and the community mourns, there has been an outpouring of support for the victims’ families. GoFundMe campaigns and other fundraising efforts have been set up to assist with funeral expenses and provide financial support to their loved ones. Additionally, the UMMC has offered counseling services for those struggling with the loss.
While the loss of Dustin Pope, Jakob Kindt, and Cal Wesolowski is devastating, their legacy of kindness, professionalism, and dedication to their communities will live on in the hearts of all who knew them. As UMMC works to restore its AirCare services, the community can take solace in knowing that these three heroes will never be forgotten, and their extraordinary contributions to emergency medical care will continue to inspire future generations of healthcare professionals.
