Hundreds turned out for a sunset prayer vigil in remembrance of the six people believed to have died when an air ambulance disappeared en route from Bermuda to Boston
Bermuda is a small island with a big heart – and that heart was on display in Sandys on Saturday.
Hundreds turned out for a sunset prayer vigil on White Hill Field, in remembrance of the six people believed to have died when an air ambulance disappeared en route from Bermuda to Boston.
Those who attended were given a poignant message by a close relative of LaVonne Bean and Sergio Lottimore, the two Bermudians who have been lost – “Hug someone you love, because you never know… it might be the last time.”
The gathering, organised by the West End Ministerial Alliance, was also in support of the families and loved ones of those who were on the missing flight.
Bishop Stephen Jones emphasised how Bermuda’s close-knit community must come together at a time such as this.
He said, “we really wanted to reach out and be more than just a phone call or a prayer…
“Let’s come together as a nation, as a people saying – ‘we’re praying for you, we love you’…
“It’s 21 square miles… There’s no way something like this could not impact everybody… Everyone knows everybody. Everybody’s got cousins and family and friends”.
The community held hands as Reverend Howard Dill prayed for the members of the family who were present.
Rev. Dill prayed, “you said in your word, you will comfort those who are in need of comfort. So, God, we’re asking you right now in the name of your son, Jesus the Christ, to comfort your people…”
Following more prayers, messages and music, the most touching moment came at the close of the hour-long service. Gavin Smith, nephew of Ms Bean and cousin to Mr Lottimore, spoke tenderly of his family’s loss, and thanked the community for “keeping Aunt LaVonne and Sergio in your hearts”.”.
Bermudian mother and son Marilyn Lavonne Bean and Sergio Wayne Lottimore were on a Latitude Air Ambulance flight which disappeared en route from Bermuda to Boston on Saturday October 3rd.
Canadian Pilots Captain Philip Gregory Childerhose and First Officer Thomas Henry Farquhar were also lost in the tragedy, as were flight nurse Sarah Jane Paton, and respiratory therapist Jolene Beth Weir.
The U.S. Coast Guard found debris in the ocean south of Nantucket Island off Cape Cod, Massachusetts, before suspending the search on October 4th.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada with support from the NTSB has deployed a team to lead the investigation into the incident.
