Flight nurse Suzie Smith passed from her injuries on Oct. 11
By RIVERS STOUT— campus@theaggie.org
On Oct. 6, a Redwood Empire Air Care (REACH) Air Medical Services helicopter crashed on eastbound Highway 50 in Sacramento. The helicopter took off from the UC Davis Medical Center and carried a pilot and two medical personnel on board, but no patients.
67-year-old flight nurse Susan “Suzie” Smith died four days after the crash, as a result of her injuries. As of Friday, Oct. 17., 60-year-old pilot Chad Millward is being treated at the UC Davis Medical Center and 66-year-old paramedic Margaret Davis has since been released from the hospital, according to the Sacramento Fire Department.
The helicopter, which took off around 7 p.m., was returning to the city of Red Bluff around 130 miles north of Sacramento. The helicopter crashed less than a mile from the helicopter pad and hit no other vehicles as it crashed. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
In a statement shared to ABC 7 news, Smith’s family mourned her loss.
“It is with deep sorrow, yet deeper hope, that we share the passing of our beloved Suzie Smith, who has gone from this life into the waiting arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ,” the statement reads. “Suzie’s life was not wasted but poured out with purpose, courage, and deep intention. Her legacy reminds us to live boldly, love freely, and never hold back the good we can give when we follow Him.”
In a separate statement, REACH celebrated Smith’s work and service.
“We will remember Suzie as a pillar of the [Emergency Medical Services] and healthcare community who saved countless lives by delivering compassionate care in their darkest hours,” REACH said. “Suzie’s 50-year career as a nurse included nearly 21 years with REACH, and we are proud to call her our colleague and friend. We hope she is remembered for the light she brought to every call, every shift, and every patient she blessed with her care.”
Registered as N414RX, the helicopter was a model EC 130 T2 manufactured by Airbus helicopters. It is capable of carrying up to six passengers; it also utilizes a crash-resistant fuel tank which successfully prevented a fire from starting, according to the manufacturer.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are both responsible for investigating the crash; The California Aggie emailed the FAA and NTSB, and received an automated reply from both agencies stating that inquiries may not be answered at this time.
The UC Davis Medical Center declined to comment when asked if they were aware of any circumstances that may have contributed to the crash.
In honor of Smith, the Our Angel That Flies Foundation is being formed in order to further the causes she believed in and issue scholarships for aspiring nurses. Donations are currently being accepted through Plumas Bank and can be made to: Attention Matt Moseley, 192 Hartnell Ave., Redding, California. Additionally, Smith’s family is hosting a public celebration of life Nov. 14 at the Redding Civic Auditorium.
Written by: Rivers Stout — campus@theaggie.org
