Plane Crashes Into Sea Killing 12, Including Popular Musician

A plane crashed into the sea seconds after taking off from the Honduran island of Roatán, killing at least 12 people, including the musician Aurelio Martínez Suazo, according to reports.

The Honduran fire service said five people survived but one was still missing. The service noted bad weather and low visibility in its efforts to recover bodies from the fuselage.

What Happened

The civil aviation authority in Honduras said the crash occurred at 6:18 p.m. local time on Monday. The plane was a Jetstream 32 aircraft registered HR-AYW and was bound for La Ceiba.

Civil aviation official Carlos Padilla said the aircraft “made a sharp turn to the right of the runway and fell into the water,” CBS News reported.

There were 17 people on board, consisting of two crew and 15 passengers, officials said.

Honduran President Xiomara Castro said she had activated a team of emergency services to respond to the crash and that they were “tirelessly assisting.”

Aurelio Martínez Suazo

Aurelio Martínez Suazo, was a singer-songwriter, guitarist, and percussionist, according to a biography on his official website. It describes the musician, who was 55, as “one of Central America’s most gifted performers.”

“He is a major tradition-bearer of the Garifuna culture and music and he is considered nowadays as the Cultural Ambassador of the Garifuna nation,” his website says.

The Garifuna are a people of mixed African and Amerindian ancestry that originated in the Caribbean island of Saint Vincent.

Separately from his music, Martínez Suazo was also the first Afro-Honduran elected to the Honduran National Congress in 2006.

His representatives confirmed his passing in a statement

“Throughout his career, Aurelio toured the world, sharing Garifuna music on major stages and captivating audiences with his authenticity and passion,” said a statement sent to Newsweek.

“His sudden departure leaves an immense void in music, culture, and the ongoing fight to preserve the Garifuna people. However, his legacy will live on through his songs, in the memories of those who knew him, and in every young Garifuna inspired by his example.

“On behalf of his team and loved ones, we deeply appreciate the outpouring of love and solidarity during this difficult time. In the coming days, we will share further details regarding the next steps and the ways in which we will honor his memory.”

What People Are Saying

“May God protect people’s lives,” Castro said in a post on X after the incident.

Martínez Suazo’s team said in a statement: “Aurelio Martínez was more than an artist—he was a guardian of Garifuna heritage, a bridge between generations, and a symbol of cultural resilience.”

The foreign ministry of Belize paid tribute to Martinez Suazo in a post on X.

“Aurelio was a great friend of Belize and a true champion of Garífuna culture and music. As a renowned Garífuna musician, Aurelio was a powerful voice in preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Garinagu people,” the post said.

“Aurelio, alongside Belize’s Andy Palacio and Paul Nabor were instrumental in bringing Garífuna music to a global stage and international recognition.

“His passing 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.

“Belize expresses our deepest condolences to the government and people of Honduras amidst this tragedy and to the Garífuna community worldwide.”

Updated, 3/18/25, 11:00 a.m. ET: A statement by Aurelio Martínez Suazo’s representatives was added.