Nurse onboard medical helicopter that crashed onto Sacramento highway has died, employer says
Susan 'Suzie' Smith, a flight nurse with Reach Air medical services, was one of three victims in the crash
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KGO) -- One of the victims in the medical helicopter that crashed onto a California highway on Monday has died.
Susan "Suzie" Smith, a flight nurse with Redding-based REACH Air Medical Services, died Friday evening, her employer confirmed.
Smith was onboard the REACH Air Medical helicopter with two other people when it crashed on Highway 50 in Sacramento.
The other crash victims were pilot Chad Millward and flight paramedic Margaret Davis. It's unknown what their conditions are as of Saturday morning, but were last listed in critical condition at UC Davis Medical Center.
No patient was on the helicopter.
Suzie Smith's longtime family friend Corkey Harmon, who is also a Shasta County Supervisor, said earlier this week, her injuries were severe.
"She's pretty broken up," Harmon said. "Ribs, pelvis, legs and her back. There's an issue in her back. And then the biggest problem is the swelling on her brain."
REACH released a statement writing:
"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.
We will remember Suzie as a pillar of the EMS and healthcare community who saved countless lives by delivering compassionate care in their darkest hours. 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.
We grieve Suzie's loss with her family, friends, colleagues, and the entire community that she faithfully served. Her impact will be felt for years to come through the lives she touched, the teams she strengthened, and the compassion she embodied. Thank you for keeping Suzie's loved ones and our REACH family in your thoughts and support for our team during this difficult time. "
The cause of the crash is still under investigation.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
