On January 30, a medical jet traveling from the U.S. to Mexico crashed over Philadelphia, claiming the lives of all six people on board.
The jet was transporting a mother and her daughter, who had just undergone a life-saving surgery at Shriners Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia. Along with them were a doctor, a paramedic, and two pilots.
Before the tragic crash, the plane had climbed to about 1,500 feet.
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker addressed the incident in a statement, as reported by BBC News: “A devastating plane crash occurred in Northeast Philadelphia near Roosevelt Mall at Cottman and Bustleton Avenues on Friday evening, January 31, 2025, at approximately 6:10 pm.
“A private Learjet 55 – a medical transportation jet – departing from Northeast Philadelphia Airport with two passengers, a mother and daughter, and four crew members were killed in the tragic crash.”
Shai Gold, a spokesperson for Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, which operated the flight, confirmed the heartbreaking news, noting that the young passenger had fought bravely against her illness.
Authorities later identified the mother and daughter as Lizeth Murillo Ozuna, 31, and Valentina Guzman Murillo, 11.
The other victims were named as Dr. Raul Meza Arredondo, paramedic Rodrigo Lopez Padilla, copilot Josue de Jesus Juarez Juarez, and captain Alan Alejandro Montoya Perales.
Shriners Children’s Hospital, where Valentina had been treated, released a statement expressing their sorrow: “It’s extremely hard and extremely difficult, those that were involved directly in her care were very aware that she was going to be traveling home and there had actually been a sendoff for her today.”
All six victims were residents of Mexico.
Tragically, when the jet crashed, it erupted into a massive fireball, setting several houses and vehicles ablaze. The crash also claimed the life of a person who was driving nearby at the time. Their identity has not yet been disclosed.
