Tragedy Strikes: Five Da Pond Band Members Perish in Bahamas Plane Crash
A Community Mourns the Loss of Beloved Musicians
Traveloasisspot.com – A vocalist has shared her profound devastation following the tragic loss of five fellow bandmates in a devastating aviation accident. The incident occurred on Friday when a compact aircraft operated by Flamingo Air met with disaster in Bahamian skies, claiming the lives of all ten individuals aboard the vessel.
The journey, which typically spans less than twenty minutes, commenced from Lynden Pindling International Airport situated in Nassau. The aircraft was traveling toward San Andros when it unfortunately went down in North Andros, according to official statements from the Bahamian Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority.
The Da Pond Band, widely recognized as one of the most beloved musical ensembles from the Bahamas, had been scheduled to deliver a performance at an Independence Day festivities on Andros Island. They were set to share the stage with a disc jockey as part of the celebration.
Shocking News Reaches the Singer
During an interview with CBS on Tuesday, vocalist Shaniese Miller expressed her overwhelming emotions regarding the sudden loss.
“I’m still shocked that they’re gone. I can’t believe it. They’re my family and I never expected that to happen.”
Miller recalled being with her musical companions just the week prior during a performance in Nassau. She described those final moments together with warmth and sadness.
“We were having so much fun, and after the second set, we were, they were just saying how they were so excited to go to Andros.”
The band officially identified the five members who lost their lives: Giovanni McKenzie, Mateo Winder, Rashad Storr, Tonique Gilot, and Travis Johnson. Additionally, Melvin Henfield, recognized by fans as DJ Fresh, was among those on board the ill-fated flight.
Another Singer Survived the Same Flight
On Friday, Shenia Roberts, another vocalist within the band, had reached the island earlier that day aboard the identical aircraft and with the same pilot. She reflected on her experience with the older aircraft.
“You could tell it was an old plane. But we didn’t have any issues.”
Speaking to CBS News about her fellow musicians, Roberts shared her deep connection to them.
“They were the people that I talked to in the morning, in the night. They were my friends, my confidants. And I was waiting on them.”
She further elaborated to Our News about the magnitude of her loss.
“It’s been crazy. They were my people. They were the people that I saw every day of every week. I communicated with them every day. My whole life was my band and my music.”
Official Tributes and Ongoing Investigation
Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis issued a heartfelt statement on X, expressing his condolences. He wrote that he was
“praying for the families who are now facing unbearable grief.”
The Prime Minister continued,
“This is a painful moment. The families affected deserve compassion, privacy, and support as the investigation proceeds.”
The Bahamas Musicians and Entertainers Union also released a statement honoring the deceased.
“Among the dearly departed are some of the talented and vibrant members of our entertainment community, including members of The Pond Band and a DJ.”
The union further noted,
“(Their) passion, dedication, and artistry touched so many lives and helped to enrich the cultural fabric of The Bahamas.”
Three additional passengers who were not performers also perished in the crash, though their identities remain undisclosed by authorities. CBS reported that Bahamian investigators are currently examining the circumstances that contributed to the accident.
Following the tragedy, Flamingo Air suspended all operations after experiencing two separate emergency incidents on the same day. Bahamian officials confirmed that another aircraft belonging to the airline caught fire after landing in Nassau on the very same day as the fatal crash.
