Nine people died in a jet crash on Wednesday in the Dominican Republic, including acclaimed Puerto Rican music producer Flow La Movie.
The private jet, which carried seven passengers and two crew members, took off from La Isabela international airport in El Higüero and was headed towards Orlando, Florida. However, the pilots quickly declared an emergency and attempted to divert the flight to the nearby Las Américas international airport, crashing the plane in an attempted emergency landing.
The 38-year old music producer, along with his 31-year old partner, Debbie Von Marie Jiménez García, and their four-year old son were among the victims.
According to Helidosa Aviation Group, which owned the aircraft, it was not immediately clear what prompted the pilots to scrap the flight. “For Helidosa, this accident causes us great pain and sorrow. We stand in solidarity with the affected families that, along with us, are going through a difficult time,” the company said in a statement.
Videos that circulated on social media showed the alleged crash site where emergency rescue teams scrambled to put out a fire and plumes of black smoke.
The Puerto Rican producer, whose full name is José Angel Hernandez, helped produce hit Latin tracks including Te Boté and AM which became Billboard chart-toppers. With over 10 years of industry experience, Flow also launched his own indie record label and management agency.
Latin musicians mourned Flow’s death on social media, with Colombian singer J Balvin writing: “José Ángel, thanks for your good vibes always. Rest in peace.”
Spanish artist Juan Magan wrote: “What a tragedy! A man and his family conquering the world, it wasn’t their turn to go. RIP Flow.”
Puerto Rican singer and songwriter Don Omar also paid tribute, writing: “Sorry for your loss and that of your family. Thank you for the opportunity to collaborate. Fly high, see you later.”
Helidosa Aviation identified the other victims as six relatives of Flow, including Keilyan Hernandez, Yeilianys Jeishlimar Melendez Jimenez and Jesiel Yabdiel Silva.
