Rep. Ritchie Torres Urges Honduran President to Investigate Airplane Crash Which Killed Singer Aurelio Martinez Suazo
Today, Congressman Ritchie Torres (NY-15) wrote to Xiomara Castro, the President of the Republic of Honduras, supporting the claims of his Honduran constituents in demanding an independent investigation into the airplane crash in which Honduran singer Aurelio Martinez was killed last month. The letter reads as follows (full PDF here):
“I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing on behalf of my constituents, who are urgently calling for a thorough investigation and accountability regarding the tragic airplane crash off the coast of Honduras on March 17, 2025. The crash claimed the lives of 13 individuals, including the beloved Honduran singer and US citizen Aurelio Martinez Suazo. The families of the victims, the community, and all affected by this loss deserve justice and closure, and the only way to achieve this is through transparency and full support for the families.
“My constituents have emphasized the need for a fully independent investigation. This is crucial for ensuring the objectivity and transparency of the investigation and guaranteeing justice for the victims and their families. Moreover, it is essential that the investigation thoroughly addresses not only this incident but also ongoing concerns regarding air safety in Honduras, to prevent future tragedies. Another important demand from the Honduran community in my district is to preserve the integrity of evidence, which is critical, as it may play a pivotal role in determining the causes of the crash and holding those responsible accountable.
“We trust that your government will take these demands seriously and act with the urgency and dedication that this situation requires. We recognize that your administration is committed to investigating this incident and hope that a thorough process will provide peace and justice to the families of the victims.
“Thank you for your attention to this important matter. We look forward to working together toward justice for those lost in this tragedy.”