Da Pond Band Members Tragically Die in Plane Crash While Traveling to Performance in Bahamas
The music world has suffered a horrible tragedy. Members of a beloved band who were traveling to an intended performance have died following a plane crash. Loved ones, fans, and their bandmates are mourning as they have suffered an incalculable loss.
What Happened?
On Friday, July 10, 2026, The Associated Press reported that tragedy struck when a small plane, identified as a Cessna 402, crashed in the North Andros region of the Bahamas. The flight was traveling from Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau to San Andros when it crashed. All ten passengers who were on board passed away. The AP noted that although Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis initially stated that one person had survived, that individual later succumbed to their injuries.
The Prime Minister addressed the nation regarding the tragedy: "We gather beneath a cloud of great sorrow." After noting that the country had been celebrating the Bahamas' 53rd independence anniversary, he continued, "It has become a day of mourning. … To every family that has received the devastating news, that someone they love will not be coming home, we offer our deepest condolences."
Who Was on Board the Aircraft?
The day after the accident, The Daily Mail reported that members of the popular band Da Pond Band had been identified as victims of the crash. The outlet noted that DJ Fresh, whose real name was Melvin Henfield, had also been revealed to have been a victim. Citing Eyewitness News, the outlet reported that they'd been identified on social media and the plane's manifest. The list of seven reported victims was Quinton Myers, Mateo Winder, Rashad Storr, Giovanni McKenzie, Travis Johnson, Franklyn Cambridge, and Macaro Rolle.
According to The Daily Mail, Johnson was one of Da Pond Band's singers, and McKenzie played the keyboard for the group. The outlet reported that another Da Pond Band singer, Lamar Polhamus, posted on Facebook about the group mourning five of its members:
"Da Pond Band is mourning a devastating blow not only to us but the entire country. Da Pond Band has lost 5 of its members who were the core, the heart, and the life of the band. This recovery will be long and rough we can only ask for some space, time, support and prayers."
Da Pond Band Is a Popular Band
Before Friday's tragedy, Da Pond Band had long been a popular staple of the music scene in The Bahamas and the surrounding area. As such, the group was frequently involved in music and art shows held there. A June 2026 report about a "Cultural Expression" event stated that the "crowd-pleasing and lively performances" by musicians and artists would include the group. A separate report about the 19th Annual Bahamian Music & Heritage Festival named Da Pond Band first on the list of "top Bahamian entertainers" who would be performing.
Our thoughts are with the family, friends, and fans of everyone involved in this tragic plane crash during this difficult time.
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jul 11, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
2026 The Arena Group Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.
This story was originally published July 11, 2026 at 2:55 PM.