A medical evacuation company has paid tribute to two colleagues that were killed when a plane dramatically crashed and burst into flames in Southend on Sunday.
Globalmed Air Medical Services B.V. said it was with “profound sadness” and a “heavy heart” to acknowledge the passing of two “dear medical colleagues and friends”.
It did not name them, but it was previously reported that German nurse Maria Fernanda Rojaz Ortiz, 31, was killed, alongside a Dutch pilot and co-pilot. A European male medic was also reported dead.
The company, which used a Beechcraft King Air B200 plane from Zeusch Aviation’s fleet, said: “They were not only valued medical professionals but also kind, inspiring individuals whose presence brought light and strength to those around them.”
“Their dedication, warmth, and friendship will be deeply missed by all who knew them. We honour their memory and hold them in our hearts. May they rest in peace.”
Ms Ortiz was reportedly on her first day as a flight nurse on board the small aircraft when it came down in an explosion after take-off.
Her friend Anna Smith told the BBC: “She was so excited for this new job,” she said, adding: “She had a giving heart and was humble, and chose a profession that reflected that.”
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Who was on the Southend airport plane crash? What we know about the victims as four deaths confirmed
Key Points
- Medical evacuation company pays tribute to 'dedicated colleagues' killed in crash
- Nurse, 31, killed in plane crash was on her first day, according to reports
- Officials yet to identify three of four crash victims
- No survivors in plane crash, Zeusch Aviation says
- Southend Airport closed until further notice
Southend airport to remain closed
16:39
,
Tom Watling
In the past few minutes a spokesperson for the airport has said: “London Southend Airport will continue to remain closed until further notice following Sunday’s tragic incident.
“Passengers should contact their airline for information and advice.
“The friends and families of those lost on Sunday are at the forefront of our minds. Our team continues to work closely with the Air Accidents Investigation Branch to support their work. We would like to thank our passengers and local community for their understanding during this time.”
Nurse's friends say she was the 'kindest soul'
16:00
,
Alexander Butler
Maria Fernanda Rojaz Ortiz, 31, a German citizen born in Chile was one of four killed in the plane crash at Southend Airport.
Ms Rojaz Ortiz's friends have told the BBC that she was the "kindest soul" and that she "didn't have a single bad bone in her body".
They also said that "she was humble and chose a profession that reflected that".
A Gofundme has also been set up to raise cash for Maria’s family.
Medical evacuation company pays tribute to 'dedicated colleagues' killed in crash
15:48
,
Alexander Butler
A medical evacuation company has paid tribute to two colleagues that were killed when a plane dramatically crashed and burst into flames in Southend on Sunday.
Globalmed Air Medical Services B.V. said it was with “profound sadness” and a “heavy heart” to acknowledge the passing of two “dear medical colleagues and friends”.
It did not name them, but it was previously reported that German nurse Maria Fernanda Rojaz Ortiz, 31, was killed, alongside a Dutch pilot and co-pilot. A European male medical professional was also understood to have been killed.
The company, which used a Beechcraft King Air B200 plane from Zeusch Aviation’s fleet, said: “They were not only valued medical professionals but also kind, inspiring individuals whose presence brought light and strength to those around them.”
“Their dedication, warmth, and friendship will be deeply missed by all who knew them. We honour their memory and hold them in our hearts. May they rest in peace.”
Witnesses recall children waving to the pilots before the crash
15:00
,
Alexander Butler
John Johnson, who was at the airport with his children and wife on Sunday, said they saw a "big fireball" after the plane crashed "head first into the ground".
Mr Johnson, from Billericay, Essex, said that before the plane took off, "we all waved at the pilots, and they all waved back at us".
He added: "It took off and about three or four seconds after taking off, it started to bank heavily to its left, and then within a few seconds of that happening, it more or less inverted and crashed just head first into the ground.
"There was a big fireball.
"I'd say that we're pretty shaken up. I just feel sad for the people who were on the plane and, of course, their loved ones and their family, our thoughts are with them."
A fundraiser has been set up to raise money for Maria's family
14:30
,
Alexander Butler
A Gofundme page has been set up to help raise cash for the family of Maria Fernanda Rojaz Ortiz.
On the fundraiser set up by Julia Esteban it says translated from Spanish:
“It is with great sadness that we confirm the death of our beloved Feña, in a tragic accident that is still under investigation by the authorities.
“We know that the pain is immense and shared by the many people who loved her and supported her at different stages of her life.
“In the midst of this difficult time, we want to organize ourselves to support her family. This process entails many unexpected expenses—transfers, paperwork, possible travel, and everything necessary to give her a proper send-off.
“We're starting this charity fundraiser among friends, colleagues, and those close to Feña.
“The idea is to raise funds that will then be donated directly to her family, so they can use them for whatever they deem most necessary.
“We will be fully transparent in our reporting of the contributions received and, if the family allows it, how the funds were used.
“Thank you so much for being here, for the love, for the support, and for everything each of you has done during these difficult days.
“We embrace everyone who loved us and we'll stay in touch to support each other and stay organized.
“We love you Feña.”
Beechcraft King Air B200 costs up to £1.5m
14:00
,
Alexander Butler
The plane involved in the incident, Beechcraft King Air B200, costs up to £1.47million, according to sales listings online.
A listing for the aircraft says it can carry 6 passengers and two cabin crew. The length of the cabin is nearly 17ft, according to the listing.
The aircraft cruises at about 285 miles per hour, which is around 290 knots in airspeed.
'Her charisma, love, humour, and kindness will remain alive in our memories'
13:30
,
Alexander Butler
The family of Chilean nurse María Fernanda Rojas Ortíz have shared a tribute following her death.
"It is with deep sorrow that we report the tragic passing of our beloved , who passed away today, Sunday, July 13, 2025, in a plane crash in London," the statement shared by Chilean news site T13 reads.
The translated message added: "the news of her passing is immensely difficult to accept; she was a person who marked the passing of those of us who knew her."
"Her charisma, love, humour, and kindness, which characterised her as a person, will remain alive in our memories and in our hearts forever," they added.
Watch: Everything we know as victims named and airport closed
13:00
,
Alexander Butler
No survivors in plane crash, says Zeusch Aviation
12:30
,
Alexander Butler
Zeusch Aviation, based at Lelystad Airport in the Netherlands, said in a statement on Monday: "It is with deep sadness that we confirm there were no survivors among the people on board flight SUZ1.
"Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the victims, their families, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.
“Zeusch Aviation continues to fully cooperate with the relevant investigative authorities and is providing all possible support to those affected."
Nurse killed in plane crash was on her first day, according to reports
12:30
,
Alexander Butler
Maria Fernanda Rojas Ortiz, 31, is thought to have been on the medical plane when it crashed at Southend Airport.
The Mirror reported that it was her first day working aboard the plane.
A friend told the Mirror: "It was her first day on the job. She was a hospital nurse but then took a job with a private medical firm, she didn't tell anyone, but this was her first day in the job.”
The friend added her wife can barely speak because she is so distraught.
A Gofundme has also been set up to raise cash for Maria’s family.
GoFundMe page set up nurse’s family
11:55
,
Alexander Butler
The Chilean nurse was on her first day on the job, according to reports, which named her as Maria Fernanda Rojaz Ortiz, 31.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise 7,500 euros for her family.
In a statement at the airport on Monday, Chief Superintendent Morgan Cronin said: “Yesterday afternoon, an aircraft which had landed here earlier in the day took off bound for the Netherlands.
“Shortly after take off, it got into difficulty and crashed within the airport boundary.
“Sadly, we can now confirm that all four people on board died."We are working to officially confirm their identities. At this stage, we believe all four are foreign nationals.”
Watch: Aerial footage of Southend airport shows wreckage at charred crash site
11:38
,
Alexander Butler
Recap: Who died in the plane crash?
11:21
,
Alexander Butler
So far, a 31-year-old Chilean-born nurse is the only person identified as a victim of the crash in Southend on Sunday.
A Dutch pilot and co-pilot, both male, are also said to have died in the tragedy. They have not yet been named.
A fourth person, believed to be a doctor, was also on board when the Beechcraft King Air B200 went down and exploded into a fireball at London Southend Airport.
Who was on the Southend airport plane crash? What we know as first victim named and four deaths confirmed
11:04
,
Alexander Butler
Watch: Smoke billows near Southend runway after small plane crash
10:43
,
Alexander Butler
London Southend Airport will stay closed until further notice
10:15
,
Alexander Butler
London Southend Airport will stay closed until further notice following the crash.
Its chief executive Jude Winstanley said: "Our staff are working closely with the emergency services and air accident investigators to support their work. I would like to thank them for all of their hard work during this period."
EasyJet flights operating from London Gatwick while Southend remains closed
09:59
,
Simon Calder
As accident investigators continue their work, Southend airport remains closed. The main operator, easyJet, has moved the morning departures to Gatwick.
A spokesperson for the airline said: “As London Southend airport remains closed three return flights departing this morning will operate to and from Gatwick today.
Three return flights this afternoon will also be operated from Gatwick and only return to an alternative airport should the airport continue to be closed.
“We continue to work closely with the airport to understand when operations are able to resume and advise any customers travelling today to check our Flight Tracker for the most up to date info on their flights.
“Our thoughts remain with those affected by the tragic accident.”
Beech b200: What is the aircraft involved in the Southend airport plane crash?
09:50
,
Alexander Butler
Who was on the Southend airport plane crash? What we know as first victim named and four deaths confirmed
09:33
,
Alexander Butler
Pilots ‘waved to children’ before aircraft ‘crashed head first’ into ground at Southend Airport
09:20
,
Tara Cobham
The pilots of a plane that crashed in a “fireball” waved at children shortly before the collision, a witness has said.
Essex Police said they were alerted shortly before 4pm on Sunday to “reports of a collision involving one 12-metre plane” at Southend Airport and that they remain on the scene of the “serious incident”.
Images posted on social media show a plume of fire and black smoke coming up from the crash site.
Read more here:
Multiple major tragedies in Southend to 'take their toll' on local residents, council leader says
09:00
,
Tara Cobham
Multiple major tragedies in Southend is going to “take their toll” on local residents, a council leader has said.
Four people died in a plane crash at London Southend Airport on Sunday, just weeks after a seven-year-old girl was killed in another tragedy. Leonna Ruka, 7, from Dagenham in east London, died on 28 June after a branch fell on five children in Chalkwell Park, with her inquest set to take place on Wednesday.
Daniel Cowan, the Southend-on-Sea City Council leader, told the BBC: “Two major tragedies in a short space of time is clearly going to take their toll on people, which is why we're encouraging people – anyone needing help – to reach out for it.”
The Labour leader also urged residents in need of help to seek it “during these difficult times”.
He added: “People are coming together and mourning these tragedies as a community, and you can see the outpour of love and support in person and online with communities looking to help and support each other.”
08:40
,
Tara Cobham
Witnesses told of seeing a "fireball" after the plane crashed “head first into the ground”, while images of fire and black smoke were shared on social media.
John Johnson, who was at the airport with his children and wife on Sunday, said that before the plane took off, "we all waved at the pilots, and they all waved back at us".
Mr Johnson, from Billericay, Essex, continued: "It took off and about three or four seconds after taking off, it started to bank heavily to its left, and then within a few seconds of that happening, it more or less inverted and crashed just head first into the ground. There was a big fireball.
"I'd say that we're pretty shaken up. I just feel sad for the people who were on the plane and, of course, their loved ones and their family, our thoughts are with them."
London Southend Airport will stay closed until further notice
08:20
,
Tara Cobham
London Southend Airport will stay closed until further notice following the crash.
Its chief executive Jude Winstanley said: "Our staff are working closely with the emergency services and air accident investigators to support their work. I would like to thank them for all of their hard work during this period."
Watch: Smoke billowing near Southend runway after small plane crash
08:03
,
Tara Cobham
Officials yet to identify three of four crash victims
07:29
,
Tara Cobham
Investigators are working to confirm the identity of three of the four victims killed in the crash at Southend Airport.
So far only a Chilean nurse has been identified as among the four people killed, including two Dutch pilots.
"We are working to officially confirm their identities,” said Chief Superintendent Morgan Cronin on Monday. “At this stage, we believe all four are foreign nationals."
What we know about the victims as four deaths confirmed
07:00
,
Rebecca Whittaker
- Four foreign nationals died after a 12-metre-long aircraft crashed "head first into the ground" shortly after take-off from London Southend Airport on Sunday afternoon.
- Two Dutch pilots and a Chilean nurse were among those on board, according to a document which lists passengers.
- It is also understood that the plane had dropped off a patient at Southend and was due to return to its base in the Netherlands.
- Maria Fernanda Rojaz Ortiz, 31, a German citizen born in Chile was one of four killed in the plane crash.
- It’s been reported that it was Maria’s first day working aboard the plane.
- However, the names of the four who died have not yet been officially released.
Watch: Aerial footage of Southend airport shows wreckage at charred crash site
06:30
,
Rebecca Whittaker
Keir Starmer pays tribute to victims
05:59
,
Namita Singh
Sir Keir Starmer paid tribute to the four people killed in the plane crash.
In a message on X, the prime minister said: "Terrible news that four people tragically lost their lives in yesterday's plane crash at Southend Airport. My thoughts are with their families and loved ones.
"I also want to thank all the emergency responders who attended the scene."
Terrible news that four people tragically lost their lives in yesterday’s plane crash at Southend Airport. My thoughts are with their families and loved ones.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) July 14, 2025
I also want to thank all the emergency responders who attended the scene.
GoFundMe page set up nurse’s family
05:12
,
Namita Singh
The Chilean nurse was on her first day on the job, according to reports, which named her as Maria Fernanda Rojaz Ortiz, 31.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise 7,500 euros for her family.
In a statement at the airport on Monday, Chief Superintendent Morgan Cronin said: "Yesterday afternoon, an aircraft which had landed here earlier in the day took off bound for the Netherlands.
"Shortly after take off, it got into difficulty and crashed within the airport boundary.
"Sadly, we can now confirm that all four people on board died."We are working to officially confirm their identities. At this stage, we believe all four are foreign nationals."
Nurse killed in plane crash was on her first day, according to reports
05:00
,
Rebecca Whittaker
Maria Fernanda Rojas Ortiz, 31, is thought to have been on the medical plane when it crashed at Southend Airport.
The Mirror reported that it was her first day working aboard the plane.
A friend told the Mirror: "It was her first day on the job. She was a hospital nurse but then took a job with a private medical firm, she didn't tell anyone, but this was her first day in the job.”
The friend added her wife can barely speak because she is so distraught.
A Gofundme has also been set up to raise cash for Maria’s family.
No survivors in plane crash, says Zeusch Aviation
04:31
,
Namita Singh
Zeusch Aviation, based at Lelystad Airport in the Netherlands, said in a statement on Monday: "It is with deep sadness that we confirm there were no survivors among the people on board flight SUZ1.
"Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the victims, their families, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.
“Zeusch Aviation continues to fully cooperate with the relevant investigative authorities and is providing all possible support to those affected."
Four foreign nationals die in Southend Airport Plane crash
04:30
,
Namita Singh
Four foreign nationals died on board a plane that crashed after taking off from London Southend Airport, Essex Police said.
The medical transport plane bound for the Netherlands crashed at around 3.48pm on Sunday.
Two Dutch pilots and a Chilean nurse were among those on board, according to a document which lists passengers, the PA news agency understands.
It is also understood that the plane had dropped off a patient at Southend and was due to return to its base in the Netherlands.
Beechcraft King Air B200 costs up to £1.5mn
04:00
,
Rebecca Whittaker
The plane involved in the incident, Beechcraft King Air B200, costs up to £1.47million, according to sales listings online.
A listing for the aircraft says it can carry 6 passengers and two cabin crew. The length of the cabin is nearly 17ft, according to the listing.
The aircraft cruises at about 285 miles per hour, which is around 290 knots in airspeed.
Simon Calder answers your air travel safety questions – from Boeing worries to the truth about budget airlines
03:00
,
Rebecca Whittaker
'Her charisma, love, humour, and kindness will remain alive in our memories'
02:00
,
Rebecca Whittaker
The family of Chilean nurse María Fernanda Rojas Ortíz have shared a tribute following her death.
"It is with deep sorrow that we report the tragic passing of our beloved , who passed away today, Sunday, July 13, 2025, in a plane crash in London," the statement shared by Chilean news site T13 reads.
The translated message added: "the news of her passing is immensely difficult to accept; she was a person who marked the passing of those of us who knew her."
"Her charisma, love, humour, and kindness, which characterised her as a person, will remain alive in our memories and in our hearts forever," they added.
Watch: Police believe all four on board Southend plane were foreign nationals
01:00
,
Rebecca Whittaker
Watch: Flight tracker shows moment Southend plane crashed shortly after takeoff
Tuesday 15 July 2025 00:30
,
Rebecca Whittaker
A fundraiser has been set up to raise money for Maria's family
Tuesday 15 July 2025 00:00
,
Rebecca Whittaker
A Gofundme page has been set up to help raise cash for the family of Maria Fernanda Rojaz Ortiz- a Chilean nurse who died in the crash.
The fundraiser has been set up to raise 7,500 euros for her family.
On the fundraiser set up by Julia Esteban it says translated from Spanish:
“It is with great sadness that we confirm the death of our beloved Feña, in a tragic accident that is still under investigation by the authorities.
“We know that the pain is immense and shared by the many people who loved her and supported her at different stages of her life.
“In the midst of this difficult time, we want to organize ourselves to support her family. This process entails many unexpected expenses—transfers, paperwork, possible travel, and everything necessary to give her a proper send-off.
“We're starting this charity fundraiser among friends, colleagues, and those close to Feña.
“The idea is to raise funds that will then be donated directly to her family, so they can use them for whatever they deem most necessary.
“We will be fully transparent in our reporting of the contributions received and, if the family allows it, how the funds were used.
“Thank you so much for being here, for the love, for the support, and for everything each of you has done during these difficult days.
“We embrace everyone who loved us and we'll stay in touch to support each other and stay organized.
“We love you Feña.”
What we know about the victims as four deaths confirmed
Monday 14 July 2025 23:30
,
Rebecca Whittaker
- Four foreign nationals died after a 12-metre-long aircraft crashed "head first into the ground" shortly after take-off from London Southend Airport on Sunday afternoon.
- Two Dutch pilots and a Chilean nurse were among those on board, according to a document which lists passengers.
- It is also understood that the plane had dropped off a patient at Southend and was due to return to its base in the Netherlands.
- Maria Fernanda Rojaz Ortiz, 31, a German citizen born in Chile was one of four killed in the plane crash.
- It’s been reported that it was Maria’s first day working aboard the plane.
- However, the names of the four who died have not yet been officially released.
Who was on the Southend airport plane crash? What we know about the victims as four deaths confirmed
Monday 14 July 2025 23:00
,
Rebecca Whittaker
Pictured: The King Air B200
Monday 14 July 2025 22:40
,
Rebecca Whittaker
Watch: Aerial footage of Southend airport shows wreckage at charred
Monday 14 July 2025 22:20
,
Rebecca Whittaker
Transport secretary shares 'deepest sympathies' following the crash
Monday 14 July 2025 22:00
,
Rebecca Whittaker
Transport secretary Heidi Alexander has shared her “deepest sympathies” with everyone impacted by the crash in a post on X.
My deepest sympathies are with everyone impacted by the awful incident at Southend Airport.
— Heidi Alexander MP (@Heidi_Labour) July 14, 2025
My thanks go to the emergency services for their ongoing response.@aaibgovuk is working alongside the authorities to investigate this tragic accident and I continue to receive updates.
Beechcraft King Air B200 costs up to £1.5mn
Monday 14 July 2025 21:40
,
Rebecca Whittaker
The plane involved in the incident, Beechcraft King Air B200, costs up to £1.47million, according to sales listings online.
A listing for the aircraft says it can carry 6 passengers and two cabin crew. The length of the cabin is nearly 17ft, according to the listing.
The aircraft cruises at about 285 miles per hour, which is around 290 knots in airspeed.
Pictured: Plume of black smoke rises near Southend runway following small plane crash
Monday 14 July 2025 21:20
,
Rebecca Whittaker
Witnesses recall children waving to the pilots before the crash
Monday 14 July 2025 21:00
,
Rebecca Whittaker
John Johnson, who was at the airport with his children and wife on Sunday, said they saw a "big fireball" after the plane crashed "head first into the ground".
Mr Johnson, from Billericay, Essex, said that before the plane took off, "we all waved at the pilots, and they all waved back at us".
He added: "It took off and about three or four seconds after taking off, it started to bank heavily to its left, and then within a few seconds of that happening, it more or less inverted and crashed just head first into the ground.
"There was a big fireball.
"I'd say that we're pretty shaken up. I just feel sad for the people who were on the plane and, of course, their loved ones and their family, our thoughts are with them."
Simon Calder answers your air travel safety questions
Monday 14 July 2025 20:40
,
Rebecca Whittaker
20 EasyJet flights and two Eastern Airways flights cancelled
Monday 14 July 2025 20:20
,
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