The aftermath of the tragic Sacramento medical helicopter crash this Monday continues to unfold, as the community and family members grapple with the critical conditions of the crew. Among those profoundly affected, flight nurse Suzie Smith remains in critical, unstable condition at UC Davis Medical Center. According to ABC10, Shasta County Supervisor Corkey Harmon, a long-standing family friend, gave an update on Smith's severe injuries, including "broken ribs, a fractured pelvis and significant brain swelling."
Smith, alongside pilot Chad Millward and paramedic Margaret "DeDe" Davis, had just completed a patient transport to the UC Davis Medical Center before the aircraft went down on Highway 50. Remarkably, there were no injuries reported on the ground. Harmon noted, "The biggest issue right now is the brain swelling," in a situation he described as deeply ironic for someone who has been the rescuer so often before, but who now finds herself in dire need of rescue. In a heart-wrenching narrative obtained by CBS13, friends and family highlighted Smith's relentless dedication to helping others, including her medical missionary work around the world.
Suzie Smith, a well-known medical missionary, has helped people around the world, often working long hours and responding first to emergencies. Her friend Mary Beaver said the crash victims were people who always helped others. The community has shown strong support for Smith and her family through a vigil in Palo Cedro and messages of love and prayers from around the world.
In the wake of the incident, REACH Air Medical Services has reaffirmed its support for the injured crew. They said in a statement, "Our team members remain hospitalized, and our thoughts are with their families, friends, and colleagues as we hope for their recovery." The company thanked the bystanders who took immediate action at the crash site, labelling them as "first responders" for their efforts, according to ABC10. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation into the crash and has full cooperation from both REACH and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
