Latitude Air Ambulance Remembers the Crew of Heartbeat 104 Medevac

HAMILTON, ON, Oct. 5, 2026 /CNW/ -- Following the release today by the United States Coast Guard of the names of the four Latitude Air Ambulance crew members aboard Heartbeat 104 Medevac, Latitude would like to share more about the colleagues and friends who were aboard the flight.

Heartbeat 104 was operating a medical evacuation flight from Bermuda to Boston, Massachusetts, carrying four members of the Latitude team, a patient, and a family escort. The Bermuda Police Service released the names of the patient and family escort and the U.S. Coast Guard publicly released all six names of those aboard today.

With the suspension of the search and rescue operation, Latitude has acknowledged the heartbreaking reality that all six people aboard are presumed to have died.

"This is the part of this tragedy that is hardest to put into words," said Peter Byl, President of Latitude Air Ambulance. "The Coast Guard release gives the public the six names of those aboard, including our four crew members and the patient and family escort. To all of us at Latitude, our crew were much more than names. They were colleagues, friends and members of our family. Each brought something special to our company, to the people they worked beside, and to the patients and families entrusted to their care."

Philip Childerhose – Captain

Phil was a person of great integrity, incredibly kind-hearted and extremely passionate about aviation. He was dedicated to his family, friends, and colleagues. He touched the hearts of everyone he talked to and helped anyone who was in need.

Thomas Farquhar – First Officer

Tommy was loved by everyone who ever met him. He was a gentle giant who reflected Jesus' love: a safe place and a helping hand to all.

Sarah Paton – Flight Nurse

Sarah was a bright, joyful presence whose kindness, humour and generosity touched everyone around her. A dedicated nurse, she devoted her life to caring for others and was known by her family as selfless, hardworking, determined and full of life. She was a larger-than-life daughter, family member and friend, and her loved ones take some comfort in knowing she was doing what mattered most to her: helping others. Sarah will be deeply missed and forever remembered for the love and joy she brought to those around her.

Jolene Weir – Respiratory Therapist

Jolene was a presence unlike any other who loved her family and friends and had a passion for helping others. With years of experience caring for others as a respiratory therapist in a hospital, combined with her love of travel and seeing the world, Latitude truly was her dream job. Her incredible ability to care for and love others extended not only to her patients but showed even more in her most favourite roles as a wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend.

"Our colleagues dedicated themselves to helping people at some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives," Byl said. "That was the mission they were carrying out aboard Heartbeat 104. We want their families to know that we will remember not simply how we lost them, but how they lived, how they served, and what they meant to the people around them."

The company also extends its respect and deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the patient and family escort.

Latitude continues to provide support to the families of its crew members and to its employees as they grieve.

"We know there will be considerable public interest in the people aboard this flight," Byl said. "We respectfully ask that the privacy of all six families be protected and that they be given the space and time they need to grieve."

Latitude will continue to cooperate fully with the Transportation Safety Board of Canada, the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board, and all other relevant authorities as recovery efforts and the investigation proceed.

Determining the circumstances and cause of an aviation accident is the responsibility of the appropriate investigative authorities and is a careful and methodical process. Latitude will not speculate about the cause of the accident while that work is underway.

The company may provide further relevant information when it is confirmed by the appropriate authorities and can be shared with respect for the families involved.

About Latitude Air Ambulance

Latitude Air Ambulance is a Canadian air medical transport provider delivering specialized medical evacuation and patient transport services in Canada and internationally.

SOURCE Latitude Air Ambulance