What began as a routine mission at London Southend Airport turned tragic on July 14 when a twin-engine aircraft operated by Zeusch Aviation crashed shortly after takeoff, killing all four people on board.

Among them was 31-year-old nurse Maria Fernanda Rojas Ortiz, originally from Chile but a German citizen. It was her very first day as a flight nurse — a role she had long dreamed of, combining her medical skills with her passion for helping patients in critical need.

The plane, a Beechcraft B200 Super King Air known for its strong safety record, had just completed a patient transfer mission and was returning to the Netherlands when it suddenly veered and came down near the runway. Despite the swift arrival of emergency crews, there were no survivors.

Friends described Maria as compassionate and brave, someone who “wanted to be where help was needed most.” Her loss, along with the two experienced Dutch pilots and another medical crew member, has sent shockwaves through Southend and beyond.

As flowers and tributes appear at the airport, the tragedy has sparked reflection on the risks faced by air ambulance teams — professionals who often work in silence, under pressure, and in service to others.

Though the cause remains under investigation, one truth is already clear: those who died were there not for profit or leisure, but to give others a chance at life. Their dedication, and especially Maria’s first and final mission of care, will not be forgotten.