The two crew members who survived the Oct. 6 medical helicopter crash along Highway 50 in Sacramento are making progress in their recovery, REACH Air Medical Services said Tuesday. Pilot Chad Millward and paramedic Margaret “DeDe” Davis have moved from critical care to inpatient rehabilitation facilities, REACH said. Millward was released from the hospital this week, while Davis was released last week.They were on board an H130 helicopter that had departed from the UC Davis Medical Center before quickly descending and crashing into the freeway, having been in the air for fewer than 30 seconds.Rush-hour traffic posed a challenge for first responders trying to get to the crash site, and because the Sacramento Fire Department originally received a “vehicle extrication assignment,” crews were equipped to pull people from road vehicles, not helicopters.Bystanders got out of their vehicles to help firefighters lift the helicopter so one of the aircraft crew members could be pulled and sent to a hospital. Days after the crash, nurse Susan “Suzie” Smith died from her injuries.”The outpouring of compassion and concern from our community has been a source of strength for all those affected by this month’s accident,” REACH said in a news release. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who has kept our crew and their families in their thoughts and prayers during this challenging time. As we celebrate the ongoing progress of Chad and DeDe, we also honor the memory of Susan “Suzie” Smith and recognize her remarkable contributions to our community.”REACH said Smith’s family may release information regarding her memorial service.Video obtained by KCRA 3 showed the moments when the helicopter crashed across freeway lanes, and smoke poured out from the aircraft. This specific type of helicopter has a fuel-resistant system that helps reduce the likelihood of ignition upon impact.The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the cause of the crash.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
SACRAMENTO, Calif. —
The two crew members who survived the Oct. 6 medical helicopter crash along Highway 50 in Sacramento are making progress in their recovery, REACH Air Medical Services said Tuesday.
Pilot Chad Millward and paramedic Margaret “DeDe” Davis have moved from critical care to inpatient rehabilitation facilities, REACH said. Millward was released from the hospital this week, while Davis was released last week.
They were on board an H130 helicopter that had departed from the UC Davis Medical Center before quickly descending and crashing into the freeway, having been in the air for fewer than 30 seconds.
Rush-hour traffic posed a challenge for first responders trying to get to the crash site, and because the Sacramento Fire Department originally received a “vehicle extrication assignment,” crews were equipped to pull people from road vehicles, not helicopters.
Bystanders got out of their vehicles to help firefighters lift the helicopter so one of the aircraft crew members could be pulled and sent to a hospital. Days after the crash, nurse Susan “Suzie” Smith died from her injuries.
“The outpouring of compassion and concern from our community has been a source of strength for all those affected by this month’s accident,” REACH said in a news release. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who has kept our crew and their families in their thoughts and prayers during this challenging time. As we celebrate the ongoing progress of Chad and DeDe, we also honor the memory of Susan “Suzie” Smith and recognize her remarkable contributions to our community.”
REACH said Smith’s family may release information regarding her memorial service.
Video obtained by KCRA 3 showed the moments when the helicopter crashed across freeway lanes, and smoke poured out from the aircraft. This specific type of helicopter has a fuel-resistant system that helps reduce the likelihood of ignition upon impact.
The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the cause of the crash.
See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel