The family of Suzie Smith plans a special procession on Sunday to honor her after her tragic death in a medical helicopter crash.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The family of Susan “Suzie” Smith, the flight nurse who died from her injuries in the medical helicopter crash on Highway 50, announced plans for a special procession to honor her this weekend.
Smith was one of three crew members aboard the helicopter that crashed on Monday. She died in the hospital days later. The other survivors remain hospitalized.
On Sunday, Reach Air Medical Services will give Smith her final flight from Sacramento to Red Bluff. The flight is scheduled to depart around 1 p.m. and arrive at approximately 2 p.m.
After the flight lands, she will be transported by a ground ambulance to Palo Cedro, accompanied by immediate family and escorted by numerous EMS and law enforcement agencies.
The public is invited to safely stage along the route to pay their respects. The procession will follow Interstate 5 north from Red Bluff to State Route 44 east in the Redding area, then continue south on Deschutes Road to Allen and Dahl Funeral Home.
The family asks that no one stop on the freeway or block side streets.
There will be no public parking or visitation at the funeral home, the family said.
A Celebration of Life is being planned, where the public will have an opportunity to pay their respects.
In honor of Smith’s legacy, a memorial fund called “Our Angel That Files Foundations” is being established. The foundation will support causes she was passionate about including nursing scholarships, mission work and community outreach, according to the family.
The Smith Family released the following statement on Suzie’s passing:
“It is with deep sorrow, yet deeper hope, that we share the passing of our beloved Suzie Smith, who has gone from this life into the waiting arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ.
Suzie’s life was not wasted but poured out with purpose, courage, and deep intention. Her legacy reminds us to live boldly, love freely, and never hold back the good we can give when we follow Him.
We are so thankful for the rainbow that stretched across Redding last night, reminding us that God has promised His presence, His peace, and His comfort. Our family is deeply grateful to the community for the love, support, and prayers that have carried us through this difficult week. Thank you for partnering with God to bring comfort to our hearts.
We also extend heartfelt thanks to the doctors and staff at UC Davis Medical Center for their exceptional care, not only for Suzie, but for our entire family, and to REACH Air Medical Services for treating each of us as their own.
In her honor please spread kindness, love your neighbors, volunteer, lift up those in need and make every second count.”
REACH Air Medical Services provided a statement following her death, saying in part:
“We will remember Suzie as a pillar of the EMS and healthcare community who saved countless lives by delivering compassionate care in their darkest hours. Suzie’s 50-year career as a nurse included nearly 21 years with REACH, and we are proud to call her our colleague and friend. We hope she is remembered for the light she brought to every call, every shift, and every patient she blessed with her care.
We grieve Suzie’s loss with her family, friends, colleagues, and the entire community that she faithfully served. Her impact will be felt for years to come through the lives she touched, the teams she strengthened, and the compassion she embodied. Thank you for keeping Suzie’s loved ones and our REACH family in your thoughts and support for our team during this difficult time. “
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