Dustin Pope, Jakob Kindt, and Cal Wesolowski Identified as Victims in Fatal AirCare Helicopter Crash: UMMC, FAA, and NTSB Continue Investigation Into Tragedy
JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI – The University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) has officially identified the three victims of the fatal AirCare helicopter crash that occurred on March 10, 2025. The lives of Dustin Pope, Jakob Kindt, and Cal Wesolowski were tragically lost during a routine emergency transport mission. The crash has sent shockwaves through the local community and beyond, highlighting the inherent risks that medical helicopter crews face every day in their life-saving work.
The UMMC press release confirmed that the victims were:
- Dustin Pope, 35, of Philadelphia, Mississippi, the base supervisor for AirCare in Columbus and a highly experienced flight nurse.
- Jakob Kindt, 37, of Tupelo, Mississippi, a critical care paramedic who had served with AirCare since 2017.
- Cal Wesolowski, 62, of Starkville, Mississippi, the pilot of the Med-Trans helicopter operating the flight at the time of the crash.
Both Pope and Kindt had been dedicated members of UMMC’s AirCare team, joining the medical center on August 14, 2017. Their service to Mississippi’s healthcare system was marked by professionalism, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to saving lives, even at great personal risk. Wesolowski, a veteran pilot with extensive experience in medical flight operations, had been part of the Med-Trans aviation team for several years, ensuring safe passage for countless patients during emergency air transports.
The Tragic Event and Its Aftermath
The fatal crash occurred on March 10, 2025, when the AirCare helicopter, operated by Med-Trans, was on a critical care mission in rural Mississippi. The aircraft was en route to transport a patient, but it never reached its destination. The helicopter went down under unknown circumstances, resulting in the loss of all three crew members on board. Local emergency services, including Mississippi Highway Patrol and emergency medical teams, were dispatched immediately to the scene of the crash, located in a remote part of the state. Despite their best efforts, the three crew members were pronounced dead at the site.
In the wake of this tragic accident, UMMC’s AirCare Transport Services have been temporarily grounded to allow for a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the crash. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have taken the lead in the investigation, working tirelessly to determine what went wrong and how to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
UMMC has expressed its deepest condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the victims, as well as the broader AirCare and Mississippi Center for Emergency Services communities, who are all grieving this heartbreaking loss. The medical center has also made it a priority to ensure that emergency medical services in Mississippi continue uninterrupted during the investigation, and they are collaborating with healthcare and medical transport providers statewide to ensure that Mississippians receive the care they need.
Remembering the Victims
Dustin Pope, 35, had been a central figure in the AirCare team since his arrival at UMMC in 2017. As a flight nurse and the base supervisor for AirCare in Columbus, he was responsible for overseeing operations, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of both patients and crew, and providing critical care during air transports. Pope was known for his dedication, compassion, and expertise in the field of emergency medical services. He worked tirelessly to help save lives, always striving to make a difference in the lives of patients and their families.
A native of Philadelphia, Mississippi, Pope was described by colleagues as someone who always went above and beyond the call of duty. His colleagues at UMMC remember him as a person who was deeply committed to his work and always ready to lend a helping hand. He leaves behind a legacy of professionalism and service to the community. Pope’s dedication to the AirCare mission and to those in need will not soon be forgotten by his peers, friends, and family.
Jakob Kindt, 37, hailed from Tupelo, Mississippi, and had been an essential part of the AirCare team since joining UMMC in August 2017. As a critical care paramedic, Kindt was responsible for providing advanced medical care to critically ill or injured patients during transport. His skills, medical knowledge, and quick decision-making abilities made him an invaluable asset to the AirCare team. Kindt had a reputation for being calm under pressure, always focused on delivering the highest level of care to patients.
Kindt was passionate about his work and was known for his willingness to help others in any way possible. He was a beloved member of the AirCare community, and his colleagues remember him for his ability to bring comfort to patients in their most difficult moments. His death has left a profound hole in the hearts of those who knew him, both professionally and personally.
Cal Wesolowski, 62, was the seasoned pilot who was flying the Med-Trans helicopter at the time of the crash. Wesolowski had decades of experience in aviation, particularly in the field of medical transport. His career in flying helicopters was marked by safety, skill, and a deep understanding of the complexities involved in air ambulance operations. As the pilot, Wesolowski was responsible for navigating challenging weather conditions, ensuring that the helicopter was safe for flight, and maintaining operational communication with ground teams.
Wesolowski was widely respected in the aviation community and was known for his professionalism and calm demeanor in stressful situations. He had a deep commitment to providing safe and timely transport for patients, which made him a highly regarded figure in the field. Wesolowski’s experience and expertise were invaluable to the Med-Trans team, and his passing is a significant loss to the community.
The Investigation
As the investigations into the crash unfold, both the FAA and the NTSB are working to piece together the events leading up to the crash. While it is still too early to determine the exact cause, both agencies have stated that they are conducting a thorough review of the flight, the weather conditions at the time of the crash, and the helicopter’s maintenance records. The NTSB has deployed a team of investigators to the site of the crash to begin the process of recovering evidence, including the flight data and cockpit voice recorders, which may provide crucial insight into what transpired during the flight.
It is expected that the investigation will take several months, as the FAA and NTSB work to ensure that all aspects of the incident are thoroughly examined. During this time, the families of the victims will undoubtedly be anxiously awaiting answers, while the broader medical and aviation communities will be looking for insights that could help improve safety and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The Impact on the Community
The tragic loss of Dustin Pope, Jakob Kindt, and Cal Wesolowski has sent ripples of grief throughout Mississippi and the broader medical community. The AirCare team at UMMC, along with the Med-Trans team and their families, have all been deeply affected by this devastating accident. As one of the few air ambulance services in the state, AirCare plays an essential role in providing life-saving medical services to residents across Mississippi, particularly in rural and remote areas. The loss of these three individuals leaves a gap that will be difficult to fill.
As a result of the crash, UMMC has temporarily grounded its AirCare fleet, putting emergency transport services on hold until further notice. This decision was made in order to allow for a full investigation to take place, as well as to ensure that the safety of all future flights is not compromised. In the meantime, UMMC is working with other medical transport providers across the state to ensure that emergency care continues without interruption.
UMMC has also stated that they will provide ongoing support for the families of the victims and for the AirCare team members who are grieving the loss of their colleagues and friends. The center has offered counseling services and has committed to honoring the memory of Dustin Pope, Jakob Kindt, and Cal Wesolowski in various ways.
A Grateful Community Remembers
In the wake of this tragedy, tributes have poured in from across Mississippi, with many people reflecting on the vital role that Pope, Kindt, and Wesolowski played in their communities. Local leaders, fellow healthcare workers, and residents alike have expressed their sorrow and admiration for the work done by these individuals.
A memorial service is being planned by UMMC to honor the victims’ lives and their contributions to the medical field. Details of the service will be shared in the coming days as UMMC, together with the families of the victims, begins the process of healing from this immeasurable loss.
While the investigation into the crash continues, the impact of this tragedy is already being felt throughout Mississippi. The loss of these dedicated professionals serves as a reminder of the risks faced by those in the emergency medical and aviation fields, who put their lives on the line every day to help others.
In honoring their memories, Mississippi will continue to remember Dustin Pope, Jakob Kindt, and Cal Wesolowski as true heroes who gave everything to serve their communities.
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