The last victim of the tragic helicopter crash near Catalina Island has been named.
Steven Robinson, a 59-year-old former Marine One pilot, tragically died on Wednesday night. The medical helicopter he was on crashed shortly after takeoff while transporting a patient experiencing an allergic reaction.
Robinson, along with flight nurse Jessica deVries and patient Catalina Hernandez, lost their lives in the incident. Fortunately, Hernandez’s 20-year-old son and flight nurse Brad Sparks survived, though both required hospitalization. Sparks is said to be recovering, but there’s uncertainty regarding the young man’s condition.
The cause of the helicopter’s crash is still unknown, with officials reporting that it took off and then went down into the water near the island. The National Transportation Safety Board has initiated an investigation into the matter.
REACH Air Medical Services, the company operating the helicopter, praised Robinson’s accomplished aviation career, which included flying Marine One for a former president, as well as serving as a Marine Corps helicopter pilot.
His family described him via REACH as “a devoted husband, father, family member, and friend who made those around him feel valued, supported, and cared for. While his loss is profound, his family is grateful for the example he set and the extraordinary impact he had on so many people.”
DeVries was also identified by REACH as the other employee who died in the crash. Her family characterized her as a “true hero, a devoted mother, and an extraordinary woman whose strength, compassion, and kindness touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.” They further noted that she was passionate about helping others in their time of need, emphasizing how her spirit would live on through the numerous lives she impacted.
The helicopter was en route to the mainland to take Hernandez—who had eaten something triggering her allergic reaction—when the tragic event occurred. Her body was ultimately the last to be recovered from the deep Pacific Ocean.
REACH Air Medical Services expressed gratitude to the first responders involved in the crash recovery and committed to honoring the victims while supporting their families.
A memorial service was held on Catalina Island to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the crash.
This incident follows closely after a separate helicopter accident in Chatsworth, which occurred during coverage of a bus collision and resulted in three fatalities, including a reporter, pilot, and a bystander.
