17-03-2025
Why are flags half-staff in Mississippi today? State honors 3 who died in helicopter crash
Why are flags at half-staff in Mississippi today?
Gov. Tate Reeves filed an executive order that all flags be flown at half-staff to honor three men who died in a medical helicopter crash last week: Jakob Kindt, Dustin Pope and Cal Wesolowski.
"We will never forget the brave sacrifices these first responders made in selfless service to our state," the governor said.
Here's what we know about the crash, the men who died.
A medical helicopter with AirCare3 crashed around 12:30 p.m. Monday, March 10, in a remote area along the Natchez Trace. The pilot and two University of Mississippi Medical Center employees on board were killed.
The Madison Country Sheriff's Office said the crew reported losing power just before the crash.
According to Todd Inman, a National Transportation Safety Board member, the pilot said they would try to land but were having a flight control problem.
The helicopter fell from the sky shortly afterward.
Dustin Pope, 35, of Philadelphia: Per UMMC, Pope was a base supervisor for AirCare in Columbus and a flight nurse. He was also a member of Mossy Oak Properties Bottomland Real Estate. He leaves behind a wife and three young children.
Jakob Kindt, 37, of Tupelo: According to UMMC, Kindt was a critical care paramedic. He leaves behind a wife and two sons.
Cal Wesolowski, 62, of Starkville: Wesolowski was a Med-Trans Corporation pilot, UMMC said. He leaves behind a wife and daughter.
Mississippi plane crashes: Where, when, why did the deadliest air safety failures happen?
The term half-mast applies to ships and naval station. When a flag is displayed on a flagpole on shore, the correct term is half-staff.
Bonnie Bolden is the Deep South Connect reporter for Mississippi with Gannett/USA Today. Email her at bbolden@
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Why are flags half-staff in MS? State honors helicopter crash victims
