A devastating plane crash off the coast of Roatan, Honduras, has left at least 12 people dead, including a U.S. citizen and beloved Honduran musician and politician, Aurelio Martínez. The Lanhsa airline Jetstream aircraft had just taken off from Roatan, a popular tourist destination in the Caribbean, on Monday night, March 17, 2025, when it reportedly suffered a mechanical failure and plunged into the sea minutes later.
The aircraft was carrying 14 passengers and three crew members. Five survivors were rescued from the wreckage, while one body remains unaccounted for as search efforts continue. Among the deceased is Aurelio Martínez, 56, a legendary Garifuna musician and politician whose impact on Honduran culture was widely recognized. Martínez was a renowned voice in the Garifuna music scene, an Afro-Indigenous community with roots tracing back to St. Vincent, whose ancestors were exiled to Honduras in the 18th century.
His group, Lita Ariran, was one of the first Garifuna bands to achieve international recognition, according to the Kennedy Center. Later in his career, Martínez transitioned into politics, serving as a representative in the Honduran National Congress. Following the news of his death, the government of Belize issued a statement eulogizing the musician.
In the statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Belize declared that “Aurelio was a great friend of Belize and a true champion of Garifuna culture and music,” adding that his death “leaves a void in the world of music and culture, but his legacy will live on in the hearts of all who loved his art and his people.”
In her own statement to the public, Honduran President Xiomara Castro noted that local rescue teams are “tirelessly” working to save survivors from the crash and transport them to local hospitals. She expressed her condolences, concluding, “May God protect people's lives.”
Authorities have stated that the Lanhsa Airlines flight crashed shortly after takeoff due to what is suspected to be a mechanical failure. Civil Aviation Official Carlos Padilla explained that the aircraft made a sharp turn and went down into the Caribbean Sea about 0.6 miles from Roatan’s coast. This information was reported by CBS News, which also highlighted that the United States confirmed the death of an American citizen aboard the flight. A State Department spokesperson extended condolences to the families of the victims and stated, “We extend our deepest condolences to the victims and to the families of all those affected.”
As part of the efforts to recover the final victims, the wreckage of the aircraft was found about one kilometer offshore. Photos from the scene show rescue teams diligently searching for survivors, reporting limited visibility that hampered their operations. Roatan Fire Captain Franklin Borjas explained the challenges faced, saying, “It’s been difficult to access the accident site because there are 30 meters (98 feet) of rocks, and you can't get there by walking or swimming.”
A local fisherman described the crash in harrowing detail, stating, “The plane almost fell on us. I was fishing.” His eyewitness account underscores the surreal scene that unfolded as the plane went down.
In total, 12 individuals were confirmed dead, with the victims' bodies later transferred to a morgue in San Pedro Sula. The passengers included at least a U.S. national, a French citizen, and two minors. As the investigation continues, officials are closely looking into the causes of the incident, and more bodies are anticipated to be recovered as rescue efforts persist.
This devastating disaster comes amid a concerning trend in aviation safety, as reports indicate an increase in fatal aviation incidents in the U.S., marking 2025 as a particularly deadly year, with 19 fatal aviation incidents resulting in at least 106 deaths thus far.
As the nation of Honduras mourns the casualties of this tragic flight, the legacy of Aurelio Martínez as a pioneer of Garifuna music and culture resonates with many around the world. His contributions to the arts and advocacy for the Garifuna heritage will undoubtedly be remembered by fans and communities alike.
In addition to local mourning, the international community reflects on the loss of a significant cultural figure. Martínez’s career spanned decades, and he has left an indelible mark through his music efforts and public service. As investigations conclude and mourning transitions into celebration of life, the impact of this plane crash will be felt for years to come.
Honduran authorities, as well as those in the music and cultural sectors, have vowed to honor Martínez's memory while striving for better safety in air travel.
