On Wednesday, a small plane crashed in the Dominican Republic, minutes after attempting to land while heading towards Florida, killing all nine members on board, including Puerto Rican music producer José Ángel Hernández, the aircraft’s operating company reported.
Hernández, 38, traveled with family members and his long-time partner and 4-year-old son, according to the Associated Press.
Helidosa Aviation Group said on its Twitter account that the Gulfstream jet was carrying two crew members and seven passengers.
The company said that the aircraft had departed from El Higüero airport for Orlando, Fla., shortly before trying to land at Las Americas International Airport in the Dominican Republic’s capital, Santo Domingo.
A Gulfstream IV operated by @HelidosaGroup has crashed during a landing attempt at Santo Domingo Las Americas International Airport (SDQ). Because of the accident the airport is closed for take offs and landings.https://t.co/eOCI0D2yJLhttps://t.co/DPHo3dM46J pic.twitter.com/wxaGHD6Yot
— Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) December 15, 2021
The airport shut down operations after the accident, canceling hundreds of flights.
According to Fox News, the aviation company said, “this accident causes us great pain and regret,” adding that it asks for “solidarity to support the affected families who, together with us, are going through this very difficult time.”
The company provided no details on why the pilots suspended the flight or possible causes of the crash.
The music producer was with six relatives and colleagues: Debbie Von Marie, Jimenez Garcia, Keilyan Hernandez, Hayden Hernandez, Yeilianys Jeishlimar Melendez Jimenez, and Jesiel Yabdiel Silva. The company said that the crew members were identified as Luis Alberto Eljuri and Víctor Emilio Herrera.
Hernández, better known as “Flow La Movie,” produced Urban Latin songs such as “Te Boté” sung Bad Bunny and Ozuna. He also produced “La Jeepeta” by Nio Garcia, Brray, and Juanka and “Wow Remix,” in which artists Bryant Myers, Arcangel, Nicky Jam, El Alfa, and Darell participated.
While he produced many songs that reached the Latin Billboard charts, Hernández also released music as an artist. His Song “Travesuras” peaked at No. 9 on the Hot Latin Songs chart this past spring as it hit No. 1 on Latin Airplay, Latin Rhythm Airplay, and Tropical Airplay on the respective charts on March 6, Black Enterprise reported.
