FLYING Magazine
Authorities have recovered the body of the patient aboard the medevac helicopter that crashed off Catalina Island on Wednesday night.
The patient, identified as 45-year-old Catalina Hernandez, a resident of the island, was being transported to a Los Angeles-area hospital after experiencing an allergic reaction.
The pilot and flight nurse were pulled from the water in cardiac arrest and treated at the scene but did not survive.
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Hernandez’s 24-year-old son was also on board the helicopter. According to KTLA-TV, he was accompanying his mother to act as her translator. He survived the crash, as did a 49-year-old paramedic who sustained a broken leg, according to LA County Sheriff Robert Luna during a news conference Thursday.
The crash happened shortly after takeoff just before 8 p.m. PDT. The rotorcraft sank quickly in the dark water.
Rescue attempts launched immediately as Good Samaritans, teams from public safety, and the U.S. Coast Guard rushed to the scene using helicopters and boats to search for survivors.
On Thursday dive teams used a remotely operated vehicle to search the deep water. According to officials, specialized underwater cameras found the helicopter largely intact on the seabed 218 feet below the surface. The elder Hernandez’s body was still inside.
Officials from Reach Air Medical Services, operators of the helicopter, released a statement on the accident.
“Today, the entire Reach family is grieving,” Reach said. “This has been an incredibly difficult and emotional time for our organization, and our hearts are with everyone affected by this tragedy. 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.”
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and FAA are investigating the accident.