Home / Disasters and Accidents / Third Victim Recovered in Pacific Helicopter Crash
Third Victim Recovered in Pacific Helicopter Crash
4 Oct
Summary
- Body of missing patient found in helicopter wreckage.
- Five people were aboard the medical helicopter.
- Cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Authorities confirmed that the body of a patient, who had been missing since a medical helicopter crashed into the Pacific Ocean near Catalina Island, was found. This discovery brings the total number of fatalities to three. The helicopter, with five individuals on board, plunged into the water shortly after departing the island. Two other people are recovering from injuries sustained in the crash.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department divers located the victim's body within the helicopter's wreckage. The search covered over 156 square miles and lasted 23 hours. The patient had been en route from Catalina Island to the mainland for medical treatment following an allergic reaction. Their son was also on board.
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause of the crash. The helicopter operator, REACH Air Medical Services, confirmed the loss of two crew members and the recovery of a third. This incident follows other recent helicopter crashes in California, including one in Yosemite National Park and another in Los Angeles.
