2 Dead, 2 Hospitalized in Medical Helicopter Crash Off Catalina Island

A medical helicopter crashed off Catalina Island near Los Angeles, resulting in two fatalities and two hospitalizations, authorities confirmed Wednesday night.

Los Angeles County Fire Engineer Jonathan Torres stated that a fifth person remained missing following the incident. The helicopter went down shortly after taking off from Catalina Island, according to Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn. Authorities received initial reports of the crash just before 8 p.m. and were joined in the response by the U.S. Coast Guard.

The submerged helicopter was located in approximately 240 feet of water about 22 miles off the coast of mainland Los Angeles County. One individual was transported to a Los Angeles hospital, though their condition was not immediately known.

The helicopter is believed to be operated by REACH Air Medical Services, based in Sacramento, California.