Final Victim Recovered in Catalina Island Helicopter Crash

Rescuers recovered the final victim of Wednesday’s medical helicopter crash off Catalina Island, officials announced Friday. Police divers pulled the body of 45-year-old Catalina Hernandez, who was the patient aboard the aircraft experiencing an allergic reaction, from the Pacific Ocean.

Hernandez was the last of five individuals aboard the helicopter when it crashed shortly after takeoff. Two other individuals were pronounced dead, and two survivors are recovering in the hospital. The identities of the other deceased, a male pilot and a female nurse, have not been released.

The 20-year-old son of Catalina Hernandez was also on the helicopter and survived the crash. He was reportedly accompanying his mother to assist with translation during the transport. A medic also survived the incident.

REACH Air Medical Services, the operator of the helicopter, issued a statement expressing grief over the incident. "Our crews dedicate themselves to helping people on what are often the worst days of their lives," the company stated. "While many questions remain, our commitment."

A memorial service was held on Catalina Island to honor those lost in the crash. This incident follows a separate helicopter crash in Chatsworth weeks prior, which involved a news helicopter and resulted in three fatalities.