On March 10, 2025, a devastating tragedy struck the Jackson, Mississippi community as the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) officially confirmed the identities of the three crew members who tragically lost their lives in an AirCare helicopter crash. The crash, which occurred while the helicopter was en route to an emergency call, has left the community in shock and mourning as they come to terms with the sudden loss of these dedicated healthcare professionals.
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 of these individuals was not only a skilled professional in the field of emergency medical services but also deeply respected by their colleagues and communities for their dedication to helping others, often at great personal risk.
Dustin Pope, a flight nurse and base supervisor for AirCare in Columbus, was a key member of UMMC’s AirCare team, providing essential critical care during air transport emergencies. Pope had been with the AirCare team since August 2017 and had become an invaluable part of the unit, helping to ensure that Mississippians received timely and efficient emergency care. He was known for his compassionate approach to patient care and his unwavering commitment to his team.
Jakob Kindt, also a member of the UMMC AirCare team, was a critical care paramedic who served with the medical center since 2017. Like Pope, Kindt was dedicated to providing top-tier care in the most high-pressure situations. His calm demeanor and expert medical skills were vital during emergency transports. Kindt’s colleagues described him as a devoted professional who always put the well-being of his patients first. His work helped save countless lives, and his absence leaves a profound gap in the UMMC team.
Cal Wesolowski, the 62-year-old pilot from Starkville, Mississippi, was the experienced pilot of the Med-Trans helicopter operating the flight on the day of the crash. Wesolowski’s decades-long career in aviation made him a trusted leader in the field of medical flight operations. He had been responsible for safely transporting patients to and from emergency medical facilities, ensuring that the AirCare crew could provide critical care during transport. Wesolowski was well-respected for his technical skill and knowledge, and his passing marks a huge loss for the community and the entire Med-Trans team.
As the community grapples with the loss of these three brave individuals, the UMMC has announced that AirCare Transport Services are temporarily grounded. This decision comes as the medical center works closely with healthcare and emergency medical transportation providers statewide to ensure that Mississippians continue to have access to emergency air transportation services. The loss of the AirCare team’s three members represents a significant disruption to essential emergency services in the region, but UMMC has vowed to work swiftly to restore full operations.
The crash has left not only the families and loved ones of the victims devastated but also the entire healthcare and emergency response community, who relied on these professionals to help save lives during some of the most critical moments. UMMC has pledged its full support to the families of the victims, as well as the AirCare and Mississippi Center for Emergency Services teams, offering counseling and resources during this challenging time.
In addition to the emotional toll, the incident has raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the crash. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have both launched investigations to determine the cause of the crash. As of now, the details of the investigation remain unclear, but authorities have assured the public that a thorough and transparent investigation will be conducted. Updates on the progress of the investigation will be provided as new information becomes available.
The crash of the AirCare helicopter is a stark reminder of the inherent risks faced by medical professionals in the field of emergency air transport. These individuals, like all first responders, work tirelessly under extremely challenging conditions to provide care and save lives. Whether they are flying through adverse weather, transporting critically ill patients, or responding to life-threatening emergencies, these professionals put their lives on the line daily. The loss of three members of the UMMC AirCare team is a tragic reminder of the sacrifices made by those in the medical profession.
Community members have expressed their condolences and support for the families and colleagues of the victims. Local residents and other first responders have taken to social media to share their memories and pay tribute to the three victims, reflecting on the incredible work they did and the impact they had on the community. Many have shared their appreciation for the dedication of these professionals, whose work often goes unnoticed until a tragedy strikes.
As the investigation continues and the community mourns the loss of Dustin Pope, Jakob Kindt, and Cal Wesolowski, it is important to acknowledge the invaluable contributions they made in the field of emergency care and aviation. Their lives were marked by a deep commitment to serving others, and their passing leaves a lasting legacy that will not soon be forgotten. While their absence will be felt in the halls of UMMC and in the skies above Mississippi, their work and their spirits will continue to inspire those who knew them.
In the days following the tragic incident, support has poured in for the families of the victims, including GoFundMe campaigns and other fundraising efforts to assist with funeral expenses and provide financial support to the loved ones left behind. The medical center has also organized counseling sessions for employees and community members who are struggling to cope with the loss of these three individuals who touched so many lives. The legacy of their 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 Transport Services and move forward from this tragic loss, the community can take comfort in knowing that these heroes will always be remembered for their extraordinary service and the profound impact they had on the lives of others. We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of Dustin Pope, Jakob Kindt, and Cal Wesolowski, and we honor their memory by continuing to support the mission of emergency medical services in Mississippi.
