Former Marine One pilot killed in Catalina Island medical helicopter crash

A REACH Air Medical Services helicopter carrying a patient with an allergic reaction crashed into the water near Catalina Island shortly after takeoff, killing pilot Steven Robinson, flight nurse Jessica deVries and the patient, Catalina Hernandez. Robinson, a 59-year-old former Marine One pilot, had a distinguished career that also included service as a Marine Corps helicopter pilot. Hernandez’s 20-year-old son and flight nurse Brad Sparks survived the impact but were hospitalized, with Sparks now recovering and the son’s condition still unclear.

The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation into the cause of the crash. Families of the victims were honored in a memorial service on Catalina Island, and REACH expressed gratitude to first responders while pledging support for the bereaved. This accident follows a recent news-helicopter crash in Chatsworth that also resulted in three deaths.