Steven Robinson, Jessica DeVries: pilot and nurse killed in medical helicopter crash off Catalina Island identified
AVALON, Calif. (KABC) — The Los Angeles County medical examiner has identified the pilot and nurse killed in a helicopter crash off Catalina Island.
The pilot is Steven Robinson, 59 years old. The nurse on board that medical helicopter has been identified as 48-year-old Jessica DeVries.
Tributes are pouring in online for the 48-year-old Menifee nurse.
“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 when they needed it most,” REACH Air Medical Services said in a statement. “Jessica’s unwavering spirit will live on in the countless lives she touched.”
“Steve lived a life of service. During a distinguished aviation career, he served as a helicopter pilot in the United States Marine Corps, flew Marine One in support of a former President of the United States, and then continued his service as a medevac pilot with REACH. Every step of his career has been dedicated to serving others with skill, courage and humility,” the release said. “Steve’s family remembers him not only for his remarkable accomplishments, but also 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. Although his loss is profound, his family is grateful for the example he set and for the extraordinary impact he had on so many.”
Search and rescue teams on Thursday found the body of a fifth person missing following the helicopter crash, the U.S. Coast Guard said.
Family members identified the missing person as Catalina Romero. They told Eyewitness News she lived and worked as a housekeeper on Catalina Island for more than 20 years and was the mother of three boys.
Relatives and friends said Romero took her lunch break during her shift and became ill. They told Eyewitness News she had an allergic reaction to something she ate and was taken to the island’s emergency room. It was then that they decided to send him to the continent.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna confirmed during a news conference Thursday afternoon that the missing person was a patient transported to the mainland for treatment.
“This is my aunt. Right now we are waiting to get her body back and possibly bring closure for the whole family,” said Maria Tamayo. “She was just a loving, caring mother.”
A GoFundMe page has been set up for Romero to help cover his funeral expenses.
Relatives also said Romero’s 20-year-old son accompanied her on the medical helicopter to help translate.
The accident and its consequences
The plane was carrying five people when it crashed off Pebbly Beach around 7:50 p.m. Wednesday, shortly after takeoff, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. Initial reports indicated there were only three people on board the plane.
“We have three people calling for help,” a first responder said in an audio recording of an emergency broadcast. “We have survivors in the water.”
Los Angeles County firefighters later confirmed that two people had died, two were hospitalized and a fifth person was missing.
Family has identified the person missing in a fatal helicopter crash off Catalina Island as a longtime housekeeper who lived on the island.
AIR7 flew over the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, where at least one of the victims was seen getting off a helicopter.
“Two of these individuals were last reported (to be) in stable condition, with a higher level of care,” said Cpt. Stacey Crecy of the U.S. Coast Guard, speaking to reporters at an early morning news conference, spoke about the survivors.
A memorial service was held Thursday on Catalina Island, near the crash site, to mourn and pray for those involved in the crash.
Urgent research and investigation
Search operations continued throughout the night to find the missing person.
Captain Crécy told reporters at Thursday afternoon’s press conference that the search had covered more than 130 square nautical miles so far, with approximately 20 hours of continuous searching for the missing person, and that search conditions were ideal throughout.
Search and rescue boats were seen on the water early Thursday afternoon. Crécy said teams have expanded their search.
Hours after the accident, REACH Air Medical Services confirmed that one of their helicopters was involved in the incident.
Los Angeles County and U.S. Coast Guard officials are providing an update on a deadly helicopter crash off the coast of Catalina Island.
“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.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department’s dive rescue team and on-scene rescuers located the helicopter wreckage in 218 feet of water using a remotely operated vehicle, Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said during Thursday’s news conference – adding that rescue boats arrived within three minutes of receiving the emergency call.
Sheriff Robert Luna said sheriff’s personnel helped federal investigators recover and preserve the debris.
Rescue crews continued to search for a missing person Thursday after a medical helicopter crashed into the waters near Avalon on Catalina Island.
The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the crash.
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