Investigation underway in deadly medical helicopter crash, more details released
Location of the crash according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Submitted photo.
| UPDATE COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio State Highway Patrol has released the names of the victims from a fatal medical helicopter crash earlier today. According to a statement from the OSP, lost in the crash was a pilot and two flight nurses. Their names have been released: Pilot Jennifer L. Topper, 34, of Sunbury; flight nurses Bradley J. Haynes, 48, of London and Rachel L. Cunningham, 33, of Galloway. The Federal Aviation Administration is on scene. |
PREVIOUS STORY COLUMBUS, Ohio – The crash of a medical helicopter on the way to the Holzer Health Systems Emergency Room in Meigs County remains under investigation. New details have been released by the Ohio State Highway Patrol. The crash occurred in Vinton County as the Survival Flight helicopter was headed to Meigs County. The helicopter had three people on board at the time of the crash and all were pronounced dead at the scene. According to a statement from the OSP, at about 7:20 a.m. the Patrol was notified by Survival Flight that communication was lost with one of their helicopters. The helicopter departed Mount Carmel Grove City hospital and was flying to Holzer Meigs. Troopers from the Jackson Post, the Patrol’s Special Response Team and Aviation Unit responded to canvas the area using the last known location. At approximately 10:16 a.m., the Patrol located the wreckage of a Bell 407 helicopter east of state Route 278 and south of King Hollow Trail in Brown Township. There were no reported injuries to anyone in the area. The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted by Vinton, Meigs and Jackson counties sheriffs’ offices; Vinton County Emergency Management Agency; Ohio Department of Natural Resources; and the Vinton County Coroner’s Office.The crash remains under investigation. The names of the flight crew are being withheld pending next of kin notifications, according to the statement. The original story and initial update can be found via the link below. |
