Three dead after medical helicopter crashes off Santa Catalina Island
AVALON (CNS) - Three people were killed and two others were injured after a medical helicopter crash off Santa Catalina Island Wednesday night.
The helicopter crashed shortly after takeoff around 7:55 p.m. Wednesday near Avalon on Catalina Island, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
The department initially told City News Service at least four victims were rescued and taken to a hospital, with two victims expected to be in stable condition.
A pilot, Steven Robinson, 59, and a flight nurse, Jessica DeVries, 48 of Menifee, were killed.
The body of 45-year-old Catalina Hernandez, a mother of three and a housekeeper on the island, was recovered around 5:44 p.m. Thursday by divers from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.
Hernandez was identified by family members as the last person aboard the helicopter that was still missing.
Authorities said her body was found amid the wreckage of the helicopter crash.
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. Their conditions were not immediately known.
Emergency crews were searching for the fifth person reported who was aboard the helicopter, Coast Guard Capt. Stacey Crecy told reporters Thursday at an early morning news conference. She added that a Coast Guard submersible water craft was joining the search to cover underwater areas.
The Coast Guard deployed a 45-foot response boat-medium and a helicopter crew to conduct the search overnight, which continued throughout the day, according to the agency.
Relatives of Hernandez told NBC4 she was being airlifted to the mainland after suffering an allergic reaction to some shrimp she ate Wednesday night. Her son was among those aboard the helicopter and taken to the hospital with injuries, described as broken bones.
Her sister, Cristina Hernandez, told NBC4 that she and Catalina came to the United States from Mexico together 26 years ago and have lived on the island ever since.
Some broadcast reports indicated that Hernandez may have been strapped to a gurney when the helicopter went into the water, but authorities did not immediately confirm those reports.
Los Angeles County Fire Department Chief Anthony Marrone said Thursday afternoon that a lifeguard rescue team had located the wreckage of the helicopter under 218 feet of water, but crews were unable to determine if the missing woman was in the craft.
Crecy said Thursday afternoon the various crews on scene had searched more than 130 square nautical miles, and the search would be extended until nightfall Thursday evening.
Statement from REACH Air Medical Services
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.
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. Every stage of his career was dedicated to serving others with skill, courage, and humility.
Steve’s family remembers him not only for his remarkable accomplishments, but for the person he was. They describe him as a devoted husband, father, family member and friend who made those around him feel valued, supported and cared for. While his loss is profound, his family is grateful for the example he set and the extraordinary impact he had on so many people.
