A Caribbean band’s lead vocalist expressed her profound shock and sorrow following a tragic incident where a small aircraft operated by Flamingo Air crashed in the Bahamas, claiming the lives of five band members and five other individuals. The Da Pond Band, known for their vibrant Caribbean music performances, was en route to an Independence Day event on Andros Island with a DJ when the disaster occurred.
The ill-fated flight departed from Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau and was supposed to be a short journey to San Andros. However, the plane tragically crashed in North Andros, as detailed by the Bahamian Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority.
Shaniese Miller, the band’s vocalist, expressed her disbelief and grief, stating, “I’m still shocked that they’re gone. I can’t believe it. They’re my family and I never expected that to happen.” She recalled the joyous moments with her bandmates during their last performance in Nassau, reminiscing about their excitement for the upcoming show on Andros Island.
The deceased band members were identified as Giovanni McKenzie, Mateo Winder, Rashad Storr, Tonique Gilot, and Travis Johnson, along with DJ Fresh, also known as Melvin Henfield. Another band member, Shenia Roberts, had arrived at the island earlier on the same plane and pilot but had a safe journey.
Reflecting on her close bond with her bandmates, Roberts shared, “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.” The devastating loss was acknowledged by Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis and the Bahamas Musicians and Entertainers Union, honoring the talented individuals who enriched the cultural landscape of the Bahamas.
While the investigation into the crash continues, Flamingo Air has halted all flights after experiencing multiple emergency incidents, including a separate plane catching fire after landing in Nassau on the same day as the fatal crash. Authorities are actively looking into the circumstances surrounding the tragic accident.