Two medical helicopter crew members were killed Sunday evening while performing a rescue operation for a hiker in Alabama, authorities reported.
At approximately 5:23 p.m., a Shelby County law enforcement official called 9-1-1 to report the crash of a Life Saver medical helicopter, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office chief deputy Clay Hammac said Sunday night in a press conference. Deputies were already on scene as the medical helicopter was called to assist in the extraction of a hiker who was suffering breathing problems and chest pains.
“There were three crew members on board the aircraft at the time of the crash,” Hammac said. “Tragically, I can say now that we can confirm the fatality of two.” (RELATED: Black Hawk Helicopters For 101St Airborne Division Collide, Reportedly Causing Nine Deaths)
NEW: sadly 2 people have died in a medical helicopter crash in Shelby County pic.twitter.com/HFdFBrAn9l
— Jonathan Hardison (@FOX6Hardison) April 3, 2023
One crew member was pronounced dead at the scene, while another died after being taken to the hospital, according to officials. The third crew member was also transported to the hospital and remains in critical condition, CBS News reported.
“Whenever our first responders answer that call, they know that there’s a possibility of something very bad happening or an outcome that none of us want. This flight crew on Lifesaver, they’re heroes,” Chelsea Mayor Tony Picklesimer said at the Sunday night press conference.
“Our hearts go out to the families of these two members of the flight crew that have passed away,” Picklesimer continued. “And my heartfelt thanks to, my heroes, that Chelsea Fire and Rescue that responded, and to the deputies that responded. And please remember these families that will be left behind and that have had to deal with this tragic event.”
The hiker, who was not onboard the helicopter when it crashed, was taken by other means to a local hospital where their condition remains unknown.