SACRAMENTO, Calif. (VVNG.com) — A veteran REACH flight nurse has died, and two other crew members remain hospitalized following a medical helicopter crash on U.S. Highway 50 that occurred on October 6, 2025.

Susan “Suzie” Smith, a longtime nurse with REACH Air Medical Services, passed away from injuries sustained in the crash of helicopter N414RX near 59th Street in Sacramento.

“Our REACH family is devastated to share that Susan ‘Suzie’ Smith has passed away from injuries sustained during the accident involving helicopter N414RX on Highway 50 on Monday night,” REACH stated in a written update on Saturday, October 11.

REACH identified the other two crew members on board as pilot Chad Millward, 60, and paramedic Margaret “DeDe” Davis, 66. Both remain hospitalized in critical but stable condition, according to a statement from the medevac company.

(photo courtesy of Caltrans District 8)

Smith, who was a 50-year nursing veteran, had worked nearly 21 years with REACH and was considered a cornerstone of the EMS and healthcare community in Northern California. Raised on a multi-generational cattle ranch in the region, Smith originally aspired to be a veterinarian, but an early experience observing surgery led her to pursue a lifelong career in nursing.

“I got recruited into flight nursing. I love it, and I’d be bored if I did anything else,” Smith said in a REACH profile. “With this work, I get so much more than I give.”

Smith’s compassion extended globally. She volunteered in Sri Lanka following a tsunami and worked in communities across Nicaragua and Haiti to provide medical assistance to those living in extreme poverty.

The helicopter had no patients on board at the time of the crash, and no vehicles were involved. The crash prompted the closure of eastbound U.S. 50 from the State Route 99 connector to 59th Street for several hours. All lanes reopened by 1:22 a.m.

The cause of the crash is currently unknown and remains under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration. The California Highway Patrol is assisting with the investigation.

“We grieve Suzie’s loss with her family, friends, colleagues and the entire community that she faithfully served,” REACH stated. “Her impact will be felt for years to come through the lives she touched, the teams she strengthened, and the compassion she embodied.”

Anyone with information or dash camera footage of the crash is asked to contact CHP Sergeant Brodie Mitchell at (916) 731-6400 or email 20-MAIT@chp.ca.gov.

Related Article: REACH Medical Helicopter Crashes on U.S. 50 in Sacramento, Injuring Three Crew Members

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