A medical helicopter crash Wednesday night into the ocean near Catalina Island off Los Angeles County has resulted in two fatalities and two hospitalizations. According to the Los Angeles County Fire Department, rescuers continued their search on Thursday for a fifth individual believed to have been onboard the aircraft when it went down. This tragic incident unfolded close to the island, prompting an immediate and extensive emergency response.
Emergency crews were first alerted to the situation shortly before 8 p.m. The location of the crash was identified as near Pebbly Beach, an area situated approximately one mile from Avalon. Responders quickly worked to pull four people from the water. Despite their efforts, two of the individuals were pronounced dead at the scene. The remaining two individuals were found in stable condition and subsequently transported to hospitals on the mainland for further medical attention.
The ill-fated helicopter was operated by REACH Air Medical Services. Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn noted on X that the aircraft crashed shortly after it had taken off from Catalina Island. REACH Air Medical Services later confirmed that one of its aircraft was indeed involved in the incident. In a statement provided to CBS Los Angeles, a spokesperson for the company acknowledged the crash, stating, “Our immediate concern is for the well-being of those involved.” This confirmed the direct involvement of the air medical transport provider in the unfolding tragedy.
The response to the crash drew resources from a wide array of emergency services, highlighting the significant scale of the operation required. County firefighters and lifeguards were actively involved, working in coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department also contributed to the response efforts, as did the local Avalon Fire Department, ensuring a comprehensive multi-agency approach to the emergency.
Authorities have provided more specific details regarding the crash site. The helicopter is reported to be submerged in approximately 240 feet of water off the island’s coast. This deep-water location, situated about 22 miles from the Los Angeles County mainland, presents considerable challenges for recovery and investigation efforts. The National Transportation Safety Board has taken charge of the investigation into the crash. As of now, authorities have not released any information regarding what might have caused the helicopter to crash. Furthermore, the identities or specific roles of those who were aboard the aircraft have also not been disclosed. The investigation is expected to continue as authorities seek to understand the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.
