REACH Air Medical Services Mourns Lives Lost Following Catalina Island Air Medical Tragedy

REACH Air Medical Services continues to mourn the lives lost and support the families, friends and colleagues affected by the tragic helicopter accident that occurred Sept. 30 off Catalina Island.

Today, we share with profound sadness that we have lost two members of our air medical family: pilot Steven "Steve" Robinson and flight nurse Jessica deVries.

Steve lived a life of service. Over the course of a distinguished aviation career, he served as a United States Marine Corps helicopter pilot, flew Marine One in support of a former United States President, and later continued his service as a medevac pilot with REACH. Every stage of his career was dedicated to serving others with skill, courage, and humility.

Steve's family remembers him not only for his remarkable accomplishments, but for the person he was. They describe him as a devoted husband, father, family member and friend who made those around him feel valued, supported and cared for. While his loss is profound, his family is grateful for the example he set and the extraordinary impact he had on so many people.

Jessica's family remembers her as a true hero, a devoted mother and an extraordinary woman whose strength, compassion and kindness touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. She loved her work and was passionate about helping others during their greatest need. Jessica's unwavering spirit will live on in the countless lives she impacted.

We also continue to grieve alongside the family of Catalina Hernandez, the patient who was being flown to the mainland for emergency medical care. Our hearts are with her loved ones, including her son, who was accompanying her during the flight and survived the crash.

At the same time, we are grateful to share that flight nurse Brad Sparks remains under medical care and continues his recovery surrounded by family, friends and the support of the entire REACH team.

Brad is a compassionate and dedicated professional known for his kindness, easygoing nature and the genuine care he shows his patients. Outside of work, Brad's family says he is devoted to his family, enjoys cycling, spending time outdoors, and supporting dog rescue efforts. Brad has shown incredible strength and resilience through this difficult time.

"This tragedy has touched every corner of our organization," said Pacific Region President Sean Russell. "Steve, Jessica and Brad represent the very best in air medical care-skill, courage, compassion and service to others."

For the air medical community, missions like this one are never routine. Every flight represents a patient in need, a family seeking hope, and a team of highly trained professionals committed to delivering life-saving care wherever and whenever it is needed.

Russell adds, "Their work often happens out of public view, but their impact is measured in lives touched, families comforted, and communities served."

We remain profoundly grateful to every responder, agency and community partner who moved with urgency in the minutes following the crash. The U.S. Coast Guard, Los Angeles County Fire Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Baywatch Avalon, Baywatch Cabrillo, Baywatch Isthmus and the additional air, marine, fire, law enforcement and emergency medical personnel involved in the response acted with extraordinary coordination, courage and compassion. Their heroic work helped bring people from the water, deliver urgent care, and support the rescue and recovery operation.

As the investigation continues, our focus remains where it belongs: supporting our people, honoring those we lost and standing beside the families whose lives have been forever changed.