Posted: Tuesday, April 22, 2025. 12:38 pm CST.
By Aaron Humes: Speaking for the first time since his ordeal last Thursday, Howell Grange, a pilot for Tropic Air, expressed profound gratitude.
On a morning filled with anticipation, the skies over Belize turned tense as Grange and his passengers encountered an unexpected event that left him shaken but ultimately thankful, both for his survival and the outpouring of support he has received.
Currently hospitalized at Belize Healthcare Partners, Grange is receiving excellent care and expressed his appreciation for the dedicated medical staff who are by his side. “Through faith, family, and prayers, I am able to stay positive and focus on healing from this incident,” he stated, reflecting on his journey toward recovery.
“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the people of Belize and those abroad for your kind words, genuine concern, and above all, your prayers which I believe are the reason I’m still here today,” Grange shared in a statement posted to social media as he continues to recover from stab wounds.
The pilot acknowledged the incredible strength of his family, who stood by him during this trying time, as well as the countless messages of support from fellow aviation professionals, both locally and internationally. “To the pilot crew, thank you for your constant messages and check-ins. Your concern means more than words can express,” Grange said.
Grange further extended special thanks to the team at Tropic Air, including CEO Max Greif, for their unwavering support and efforts throughout the ordeal. He also recognized the courage of passengers Fitzgerald Brown and Jair Castaneda, the latter a Tropic Air colleague, who demonstrated bravery during the crisis, wishing them each a swift recovery.
Grange lauded the remaining passengers of the flight for their resilience and composure amid distress, acknowledging the worries of their loved ones during the incident. “We all have loved ones who were deeply worried, but together, we made it through. Please know that you are all in my prayers,” he remarked.
He didn’t forget to thank the professionals of Belize’s security forces – including the police, coast guard, and Belize Defense Force – along with all EMTs for their professionalism and care, which ensured the safety of everyone involved.
Grange safely landed the Cessna Caravan at Philip Goldson International Airport after nearly two hours in flight, just in time for the hijacker, Akinyela Sawa Taylor, to be subdued and shot, ultimately dying of his injuries.
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The post Tropic Air pilot grateful after harrowing incident over Belize skies appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Tuesday, April 22, 2025. 12:38 pm CST. By Aaron Humes: Speaking for the first time since his ordeal last Thursday, Howell Grange, a pilot for
The post Tropic Air pilot grateful after harrowing incident over Belize skies appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
