A tragic incident occurred in Madison County, Mississippi, where a medical transport helicopter tragically crashed, causing the loss of all three individuals onboard. The aircraft was on its way back to Columbus following a patient transport when it went down at approximately 12:30 pm. This devastating news was announced by Dr. LouAnn Woodward, vice chancellor for health affairs at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, during a press briefing.
Dr. Woodward expressed deep sorrow, stating, “The entire Medical Center family is heartbroken over this,” highlighting the impact the crash has had on the community and those connected to the medical center.
This accident marks the first occurrence of such a tragedy in the 29-year operational history of the AirCare emergency services. While the cause of the crash has not been determined, the university noted that the Federal Aviation Administration and other authorities have commenced investigations to uncover the details surrounding the incident.
Authorities have contacted the families of the victims, although their identities have not been disclosed publicly to ensure the privacy of those affected.
Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves took to social media to express his condolences and remind everyone of the inherent dangers faced by the state’s first responders. He stated, “It’s a tragic reminder of the risks Mississippi’s first responders take every day to keep us safe. Our state will never forget the sacrifice of these heroes,” honoring those who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.