On October 7, 2024, Gale Alleman, Bethany Aicken, and James Welsh, members of the Air Evac Lifeteam 133, tragically died in a helicopter crash while on their way to pick up a patient in Owen County, Kentucky. The helicopter struck a guy wire, causing it to crash and catch fire.
The incident occurred near Highway 22, and despite rapid emergency response, all three crew members perished at the scene.
The crash is currently under investigation by the FAA and National Transportation Safety Board.
This tragedy deeply impacted the community and the medical transport industry, as these individuals were dedicated to saving lives, often in high-risk situations.
Gale Alleman, the pilot, was known for his personable nature, while Bethany Aicken and James Welsh were remembered as compassionate and skilled professionals.
Their loss has left a profound void for their families, friends, and colleagues, and their commitment to their life-saving work is being honored by those who knew them.
The Air Evac Lifeteam has initiated critical incident stress management teams to support their employees, and tributes continue to pour in for the trio, whose lives were dedicated to the service of others.
The Kentucky State Police expressed their deepest condolences to the families of the fallen crew, noting the tragic nature of this accident and the ongoing investigations into its cause.
As the community grieves, the incident underscores the inherent risks that come with medical emergency transportation, despite the immense value it brings to public health and safety.
No comments:
Post a Comment