Nurse aboard REACH Air Medical Services helicopter that crashed has died

SHASTA COUNTY, Calif — UPDATE: Suzie Smith, the nurse onboard the medical helicopter that crashed onto Highway 50, has died, according to her 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. “

Shasta County Supervisor Corkey Harmon, a longtime family friend of Suzie Smith, provided an update Wednesday on the condition of the REACH Air Medical Services flight nurse, who remained in critical, unstable condition following a highway helicopter crash in Sacramento Monday.

Smith, who was airlifted to UC Davis Medical Center, suffered severe injuries, including broken ribs, a fractured pelvis and significant brain swelling. Harmon said the most pressing concern is the swelling in her brain.

“She’s pretty broken up,” Harmon said. “The biggest issue right now is the brain swelling.”

Known for her humanitarian work both locally and abroad, Smith has been a dedicated member of the Redding community. Harmon reflected on her role as a caregiver, particularly her medical missions to underserved areas like Guatemala.

“The irony is, she went from being the caregiver, the person doing the rescuing, to now, she needs to be rescued,” he said.

The Smith family has received an outpouring of support from the community, including a vigil at a local church in Palo Cedro. Harmon emphasized his support for Smith’s husband RJ and their children, her brother Forrest, and the entire family – who’s faith remains strong faith.

“They know God has full control over what happens now and what’s going to happen from here forward,” he said.

The family continues to hope for Smith’s recovery and has asked for prayers during this difficult time.

In a statement, REACH Air Medical Services said the injured crew members are receiving the best possible care.

“Our team members remain hospitalized, and our thoughts are with their families, friends, and colleagues as we hope for their recovery,” the company said.

The crew members involved are:

• Pilot Chad Millward, in critical but stable condition.
• Flight Paramedic Margaret “DeDe” Davis, in critical but stable condition.
• Flight Nurse Susan “Suzie” Smith, in critical and unstable condition.

REACH thanked bystanders who assisted in the rescue efforts, calling them “first responders” for their quick action.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the crash, with full cooperation from REACH and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

“We direct all inquiries related to the incident to the NTSB,” the company said.

WATCH MORE ON ABC10 | Bystanders lift helicopter to save trapped crew in Sacramento crash