**Victims of London Southend Medical Plane Crash Identified**
The four individuals who tragically lost their lives in a plane crash at London Southend Airport have now been named, bringing a fresh wave of grief to families, colleagues, and the wider aviation community. The incident occurred shortly after take-off on 13 July, with all those on board a medical transport flight operated by Zeusch Aviation.
Zeusch Aviation has confirmed that the pilots involved were Captain Danny Marco Franken and First Officer Floris Christiaan Rhee. Both men, reportedly of Dutch nationality, were highly respected within the company and by those who worked alongside them. The aircraft, a chartered flight used for medical transport, had just completed its mission to deliver a patient for treatment in the UK and was on its return leg to its base in the Netherlands when disaster struck.
Addressing the loss, Marco Rietvelt, managing director of Zeusch Aviation, described both pilots as not only professionally accomplished but also deeply valued members of the organisation. “Danny and Floris were not only highly skilled pilots, but also greatly valued and popular members of our team,” Rietvelt said. He highlighted that their passion for aviation was equalled by their commitment to their coworkers and the crucial missions they undertook. “We are all deeply shocked and saddened by this tragic loss. Our priority is to support the families of those lost, as well as our employees, during this incredibly difficult time,” he added.
In addition to the flight crew, a doctor and a nurse onboard also lost their lives. Reports have identified the nurse as Maria Fernanda Rojaz Ortiz, 31, a German citizen originally from Chile. The doctor, Dr Matthias Eyl, 46, was also a German national. Both professionals were participating in the medical transfer that had just concluded, highlighting the international nature of such missions and the risks faced by those providing life-saving services.
The aftermath of the crash brought swift attention from emergency services, who responded quickly at the scene within the airport’s perimeter. The full circumstances surrounding the accident are yet to be uncovered, as the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has launched a comprehensive inquiry. Details so far remain sparse, with investigators continuing to piece together the sequence of events that led to this sudden and fatal incident.
The medical transport sector, though generally considered safe, demands careful coordination and relies on experienced personnel. This tragedy has highlighted the dedication of those who undertake these missions, often crossing borders to deliver urgent care to patients in need. It also brings renewed scrutiny of operational procedures and the importance of ongoing safety protocols within the industry.
In times of crisis, aviation communities typically rally around affected families and colleagues, and Zeusch Aviation has made clear its commitment to providing support during this challenging period. The company is also working closely with investigative authorities to ensure a transparent review of what happened, with a view to preventing future tragedies.
As the investigation continues, tributes have poured in for the four individuals who lost their lives. Their dedication to their professions, whether in the cockpit or in the cabin providing care, has been recalled by those who knew them. Their commitment serves as a poignant reminder of the risks involved in specialist air transport, and the human stories behind the headlines.
The coming weeks are expected to yield further information as the AAIB analysis progresses. Until then, the families, friends, and professional circles of Captain Franken, First Officer Rhee, Ms Ortiz, and Dr Eyl are left to mourn their loss, even as the broader aviation field pauses in collective remembrance.