3 dead after medical helicopter crashes off Catalina Island
3rd victim in medical chopper crash recovered off Catalina
The National Transportation Safety Board continued investigating Friday a deadly helicopter crash offshore of Pebbly Beach on Santa Catalina Island after the body of a woman who was reported missing was found.
LOS ANGELES COUNTY, Calif. - An investigation into a fatal air ambulance crash off the coast of Catalina Island continued Friday following the recovery of a missing passenger's body from the underwater wreckage.
The REACH Air Medical Services helicopter crashed into the Pacific Ocean shortly after departing the island Wednesday evening, leaving three dead and two injured.
What we know:
A REACH Air Medical Services Airbus H-135 helicopter went down around 7:55 p.m. Wednesday near Pebbly Beach, shortly after taking off from Avalon on Catalina Island.
Flight-tracking data indicates the aircraft had previously departed from the Oceanside Fire Department helipad in San Diego County at 6:40 p.m. before arriving on the island to perform an interfacility transfer.
First responders pulled four individuals from the ocean during initial overnight rescue operations.
Two people, identified as pilot Steven "Steve" Robinson and flight nurse Jessica deVries, died at the scene.
Two survivors, including a male medic REACH identified as nurse Brad Sparks and the patient's son, were airlifted to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center for treatment. Relatives shared that the son suffered broken bones in the incident.
The active multi-agency search ended Thursday evening around 5:45 p.m. when Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department divers located the submerged wreckage under approximately 218 feet of water and recovered the body of 45-year-old Catalina Hernandez.
Relatives confirmed that Hernandez, a mother of three and local housekeeper who had lived on the island for 26 years, was being transported to the mainland due to a severe allergic reaction.
What we don't know:
The cause of the crash remains unknown, and federal authorities have not indicated whether mechanical malfunction, environmental factors, or pilot spatial disorientation contributed to the plunge.
Weather conditions around the time of the flight were initially described as warm and ideal for flying.
Authorities have also withheld the formal release of the names of the pilot and flight nurse who died in the incident out of respect for family privacy.
Officials have not released updated medical statuses for the two survivors recovering at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center.
What they're saying:
U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Stacey Crecy praised the seamless multi-agency response following the conclusion of the search efforts.
"We are grateful for the professionalism, coordination and dedication of our Los Angeles County partners, whose efforts have been critical to maintaining a unified and effective response," Crecy stated. "While this is a tragedy felt deeply by the families and community, I am reassured by the speed and determination with which our responders have come together. Our thoughts remain with the families and loved ones during this difficult time."
REACH Air Medical Services expressed deep grief while offering support to its workforce and the victims' families: "Today, the entire REACH family is grieving. This has been an incredibly difficult and emotional time for our organization, and our hearts are with everyone affected by this tragedy. We can confirm that two of our crew members lost their lives, and one crew member is recovering at a local hospital. Out of respect for the privacy of the other two individuals involved, we won’t be sharing additional details at this time."
The company added, "Our crews dedicate themselves to helping people on what are often the worst days of their lives. They answer the call at all hours to provide critical care to patients and support for families in moments of crisis. While many questions remain, our commitment to the safety of our crews, patients, and communities remains unwavering... In the days ahead, our focus will remain on caring for our people, supporting their families and honoring the lives and service of those we have lost."
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna extended sympathies during a press briefing: "Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones who lost their lives as well as the survivors and everyone affected by this tragedy."
Remembering the victims
REACH Medical said Robinson was dedicated to serving others, "Steve lived a life of service. Over the course of a distinguished aviation career, he served as a United States Marine Corps helicopter pilot, flew Marine One in support of a former United States President, and later continued his service as a medevac pilot with REACH."
They are also remembering deVries as a hero, saying, "Jessica's family remembers her as a true hero, a devoted mother and an extraordinary woman whose strength, compassion and kindness touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. She loved her work and was passionate about helping others during their greatest need. Jessica’s unwavering spirit will live on in the countless lives she impacted."
Catalina Island chopper crash victims, survivor ID'd
Four people were pulled from the dark water after the crash -- with two pronounced dead at the scene, fire officials said. Two others were airlifted to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center.
What's next:
With active surface and underwater search operations officially concluded by the U.S. Coast Guard, primary responsibility for the site shifts to federal investigators.
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) officials will document the underwater debris field, evaluate the submerged airframe, and oversee recovery operations to move the wreckage to a secure onshore facility for technical evaluation.
A preliminary investigation report from the NTSB is expected in the coming weeks, while a full determination of probable cause may take up to a year or more to finalize.
The Source: This report is based on official briefings and public statements provided by the U.S. Coast Guard, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, and the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Additional details were drawn from REACH Air Medical Services company statements and flight-tracking data. City News Service contributed.