Authorities and loved ones identified two crew members and a patient who died in a helicopter crash shortly after takeoff from Catalina Island on Wednesday.
The Airbus H-135 helicopter, operated by REACH Air Medical Services, had five people on board when it crashed about 7:50 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, in the ocean near Pebbly Beach, according to the U.S. Coast Guard and company representatives. Three of the occupants were crew members, while the other two were reportedly described as a woman being taken for a medical emergency and her son.
Coast Guard officials and local first responders launched a massive search and rescue operation. Two crew members died at the scene, while the third crew member and the patient's son were rescued and hospitalized,
according to officials and REACH Air Medical Services. The patient, however, was not initially found.
The search for the missing patient continued until the afternoon of Thursday, Oct. 1, when USCG officials confirmed her body was found in the wreckage.
The cause of the crash was being investigated by the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board.
Mourning the victims
The victims killed in the wreck were identified by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner and REACH officials as Pilot Steven Robinson, 59; Flight Nurse Jessica deVries; 48; and patient Catalina Romero, 45.
The surviving crew member was identified as Flight Nurse Brad Sparks.
REACH Pacific Region President Sean Russel said the company was devastated by the loss.
"This tragedy has touched every corner of our organization," he said. "Steve, Jessica and Brad represent the very best in air medical care—skill, courage, compassion and service to others.”
REACH air described Robinson as a man who "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," according to a statement from the company. "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," colleagues said. "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."
Meanwhile, deVries was recalled by coworkers 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," the statement added. "Jessica’s unwavering spirit will live on in the countless lives she impacted."
REACH officials also offered condolences to the family of Hernandez, also described by family as Catalina Romero.
"Our hearts are with her loved ones, including her son, who was accompanying her during the flight and survived the crash," the statement said.
The company thanked the numerous rescuers who jumped into action to help.
"We remain profoundly grateful to every responder, agency and community partner who moved with urgency in the minutes following the crash," REACH officials stated. "[They] acted with extraordinary coordination, courage and compassion. Their heroic work helped bring people from the water, deliver urgent care, and support the rescue and recovery operation."
"As the investigation continues, our focus remains where it belongs: supporting our people, honoring those we lost and standing beside the families whose lives have been forever changed," representatives said.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Helicopter crew members, patient killed in Catalina crash identified
