Sask. man among those killed in Latitude Air Ambulance jet crash

A Saskatchewan man was among six people killed when a medical transport aircraft operated by Latitude Air Ambulance crashed off the United States east coast last week.

The aircraft was travelling from Bermuda to Boston when it went missing, prompting an emergency declaration from the pilot and subsequent loss of contact with air traffic control. Debris was later found off the coast of Nantucket, Massachusetts, after an extended search and rescue operation.

Prairie College in Alberta confirmed that Thomas (Tommy) Henry Farquhar, a 2023 graduate of Prairie Aviation Training Centre, was aboard the plane. The college shared a statement about Farquhar’s life and faith and noted a scholarship established in his honor to support pilots who share his passion for aviation.

Canadian and Bermudan victims have been identified by authorities. The four Canadians on board were Philip Childerhose (captain), Thomas Farquhar (first officer), Sarah Paton (flight nurse), and Jolene Weir (respiratory therapist). The Bermudan nationals identified were Marilyn Lavonne Bean, 66, and her son Sergio Wayne Lottimore, 41.

The incident is being investigated by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada, with coordination ongoing among the U.S. Coast Guard, Canadian authorities, and partner agencies. The Coast Guard expressed condolences and stated it would continue supporting Canadian authorities as they conduct their investigation.