A well-known Caribbean band’s lead vocalist expressed her profound sorrow and disbelief as five band members perished in a plane crash. Shaniese Miller, the singer of Da Pond Band, shared her sentiments with the media after the tragic incident in the Bahamas where a Flamingo Air aircraft went down, claiming the lives of all 10 occupants.
The band, recognized for their Caribbean music performances, was en route to an Independence Day event on Andros Island with a DJ when the tragedy unfolded. The ill-fated flight departed from Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau, heading towards San Andros before crashing in North Andros, according to the Bahamian Aircraft Accident Investigation Authority.
In an interview with CBS, Miller expressed her disbelief at the loss of her bandmates, describing them as her family. The singer recounted their recent joyful moments together during a performance in Nassau, reminiscing about their excitement for the upcoming show in Andros.
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. Shenia Roberts, another vocalist for the band, had flown on the same aircraft earlier that day without incident.
Roberts recalled the band members as her close friends and confidants whom she spoke to daily, emphasizing the profound impact of their sudden loss. The local outlet Our News quoted her expressing the deep personal connection she shared with her bandmates.
Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis extended condolences to the victims’ families, acknowledging the pain and grief they are enduring. The Bahamas Musicians and Entertainers Union also paid tribute to the departed performers, highlighting their significant contributions to the cultural landscape of The Bahamas.
Although the names of three non-performing passengers on the flight have not been disclosed, CBS reported that Bahamian authorities are investigating the crash. Following the tragic incident, Flamingo Air temporarily halted all flights due to two emergency events on the same day, including another plane catching fire after landing in Nassau.
