Full Breakdown
Helicopter Crash Off Catalina Island Leaves Three Dead, Two Injured, One Missing
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On September 30, 2026 a REACH Air Medical Services Eurocopter EC135 (Airbus H135) carrying five people crashed into the Pacific Ocean just offshore Pebbly Beach, Avalon, minutes after take-off. The Los Angeles County Fire Department reported that the pilot and a flight nurse were pronounced dead at the scene, two others were rescued and taken to mainland hospitals in stable condition, and a patient remained missing.
Timeline
- September 30, 2026 – Helicopter departed around 7:45 p.m., climbed briefly, then descended into the water near Pebbly Beach.
- ?7:53 p.m. – First responders arrived; four people were recovered from the water.
- October 1, 2026 – Divers recovered the body of the missing patient.
- October 1, 2026 – Medical Examiner identified the pilot as Steven Robinson, 59, and the flight nurse as Jessica DeVries, 48.
Data & Statistics
- Occupants: 5 (pilot, two flight-crew members, one patient, one family member).
- Fatalities: 3 (pilot Steven Robinson, flight nurse Jessica DeVries, and the patient).
- Injured: 2 (flight nurse Brad Sparks and the patient’s adult son).
- Depth of wreckage: approximately 218–240 feet, per U.S. Coast Guard and fire officials.
Official Statements & Responses
- The U.S. Coast Guard’s Capt. Stacey Crecy briefed investigators.
- Sheriff Robert Luna noted sheriff’s personnel assisted with debris recovery for federal investigators.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are aware of an incident involving a REACH Air Medical Services helicopter,” — REACH spokesperson.
- “Our thoughts are with the families, loved ones and colleagues affected by this tragedy,” — REACH.
- “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. Crecy.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Patient identity: The New York Times and Los Angeles Times identified the patient as Catalina Hernandez, 45; ABC 7 and other local outlets named her Catalina Romero, also 45. Both names appear in statements, indicating an unresolved discrepancy.
- Pilot age: Some sources listed the pilot as 56, but the Medical Examiner’s records confirm age 59.
Why It Matters
The crash follows a 2025 Sacramento freeway incident involving the same operator. Aviation attorney Mike Slack noted that a fully-fuelled five-person medical transport could approach the EC135’s maximum weight, raising safety concerns for regional air-medical operations.
What's Next
The National Transportation Safety Board is leading a formal investigation; the aircraft will be retrieved and examined at a secure facility. No further scheduled actions have been announced.