A medical emergency aircraft crashed off the coast of Nantucket on Thursday, killing a mother and her 12‑year‑old son who were traveling from Bermuda to the United States for urgent treatment. The crash, which occurred in the early evening, was reported by local authorities and confirmed by the U.S. Coast Guard.

The couple, identified as Dr. Melissa Thompson and her son, Ethan, had departed Bermuda on a private medical flight to receive specialized care for Ethan’s congenital heart condition. Family members in Hamilton said the trip was arranged through the Bermuda Department of Health, and they had been awaiting the flight with the hope of accessing advanced treatment unavailable locally.

Bermuda’s Health Ministry has released a statement expressing deep sorrow for the loss and pledging cooperation with U.S. investigators. The ministry will coordinate with the U.S. Coast Guard and the Federal Aviation Administration to ensure a thorough inquiry and to support the family’s needs during this difficult time. The incident underscores the importance of safe medical transport for Bermudian patients requiring care abroad.