Full Breakdown
Medical Helicopter Crash off Catalina Island Leaves Multiple Dead and Missing
By Drooid · · How we work
The Crash and Immediate Aftermath
A REACH Air Medical Services medevac helicopter went down shortly after take-off from Santa Catalina Island on a Wednesday night in early October 2026. The aircraft plunged into the Pacific near Pebbly Beach, about 22 mi (35 km) off the mainland. Five people were aboard: the pilot, a flight-nurse, a medic, a patient and the patient’s 20-year-old son who was translating. First responders pulled four occupants from the water; two were pronounced dead at the scene and two were taken to mainland hospitals in stable condition. A fifth person remained missing, prompting a search that lasted more than 20 hours.
Data & Statistics
- Occupants: 5 (pilot, nurse, medic, patient, patient’s son)
- Initial casualties: 2 dead, 2 injured, 1 missing
- Later update: body of the missing patient recovered, raising the death toll to three
- Water depth: approximately 200–240 ft (60–73 m) where the wreckage rested
- Flight time: about 24 min from Oceanside to Catalina Island
- Aircraft identification: NTSB listed a Eurocopter EC-135-P2; other outlets described it as an Airbus H135.
Official Statements & Responses
Coast Guard Capt. Stacey Crecy said the crash occurred “shortly after take-off” and noted that responders deployed a helicopter, a response boat, divers and a remotely-operated vehicle. REACH Air Medical Services expressed “heartbreak” and pledged support for families. Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn offered prayers for those aboard. Sheriff Robert Luna identified the deceased as a male pilot and a female nurse and confirmed that a medic and a male passenger were hospitalized.
On-the-Ground Reports
The Los Angeles County Fire Department, the Coast Guard, and the Sheriff’s Department coordinated the rescue. Divers and a remotely-operated vehicle surveyed the wreckage, while surface vessels searched more than 130 sq nm. Conditions were reported as calm, facilitating equipment deployment. The NTSB and FAA opened investigations, with NTSB staff expected to retrieve the aircraft for forensic examination.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Aircraft model: Some sources identified the helicopter as an Airbus H135, while the NTSB listed it as a Eurocopter EC-135-P2. The exact make remains unconfirmed.
- Casualty count: Early reports cited two fatalities and one missing; a later Coast Guard statement confirmed the missing patient’s body, bringing the death toll to three.
- Victim identities: The pilot was later identified as 59-year-old Steven Robinson and the nurse as 48-year-old Jessica DeVries. The missing patient was named Catalina Romero, a longtime housekeeper on the island.
Verbatim Quotes
- “While this is a tragedy felt deeply by the families and community, I am reassured by the speed and determination with which our responders have come together,” — Capt. Stacey Crecy
- “In the days ahead, our focus will remain on caring for our people, supporting their families and honouring the lives and service of those we have lost,” — REACH spokesperson
What’s Next
The NTSB will conduct a full accident investigation, including analysis of flight-data and cockpit-voice recordings. The aircraft is slated to be transported to a secure facility for evaluation. FAA records will be reviewed to verify maintenance history and pilot qualifications. Findings are expected to be released in a final report that will inform safety recommendations for medical-flight operations in the region.