Multiple Members of Beloved Band Among 10 Victims Killed in Bahamas Plane Crash

Key Points:

• Five members of the Da Pond Band died in a small plane crash while traveling to San Andros in the Bahamas for a scheduled performance at the All-Andros and Berry Island Regatta.
• The deceased band members included band leader Giovanni McKenzie, lead guitarist Rashad Storr, bass player Mateo Winder, lead singer Travis Johnson, and Tonique Gilot, among a total of 10 fatalities in the crash.
• The band was en route to perform at a cultural festival celebrating Bahamian heritage through music, food, and boat racing, with local member Mateo Winder particularly eager to return home.
• Surviving band member Shanice Miller emphasized the close bond among the group, while fellow singer Lamar Polhamus described the loss as devastating and asked for privacy and support during recovery.
• The Bahamas Musicians & Entertainers Union honored the late band members and DJ Fresh, who was also on the plane, recognizing their significant contributions to the cultural fabric of the Bahamas.