2 dead, 2 injured and 1 missing after medical helicopter crashes in waters near Catalina Island

AVALON, Calif. (KABC) — Two people were killed, two were injured and another was missing after a medevac helicopter crashed into waters near Avalon on Catalina Island shortly after takeoff Wednesday evening, officials said.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department confirmed that a maritime search and rescue operation began shortly after receiving a report of three people in the ocean around 7:53 p.m. off the coast of Avalon.

The Coast Guard’s Los Angeles station later said at least five people initially jumped into the water following a helicopter crash and helped with the rescue.

Los Angeles County firefighters confirmed Wednesday evening that two people have died, two have been hospitalized and a fifth person is still missing. Rescue operations will continue throughout the night.

AIR7 flew over the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, where at least one of the victims was seen getting off a helicopter.

REACH Air Medical Services later confirmed that one of their helicopters was involved in the incident.

“We are aware of an incident involving a REACH Air Medical Services helicopter. At this time, we are gathering information and coordinating with emergency responders and authorities. We are unable to provide additional details at this time and will share more information as it becomes available. Our immediate concern is the well-being of those involved,” a company spokesperson said.

No further details were immediately known.

The cause of the accident remains under investigation.