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As a community mourns, a devoted widower finds strength in faith and song — knowing his wife is still saving lives through organ donation: still flying, just higher.
PALO CEDRO, Calif. — One week after the helicopter crash that claimed the life of beloved flight nurse Suzie Smith, her husband, R.J. Smith, is speaking publicly for the first time — sharing a message of faith, love and resilience.
Suzie Smith died Friday evening, Oct. 10, from injuries she suffered in the Oct. 6 crash along Highway 50 in Sacramento. Smith was one of three people on board the medical helicopter.
The other two — pilot Chad Millward, who is in critical yet stable condition, and flight paramedic Margaret “DeDe” Davis, who is likewise critical but stable — survived, according to REACH Air Medical Services.
Smith was known throughout Northern California for her compassion and commitment to serving others. Her death has sent ripples of grief through her Northstate community and the emergency medical family.
After several days on a ventilator, Smith passed away surrounded by loved ones. Her husband never left her side — holding her hand, praying and clinging to the faith they shared.
“She was a champion for the less fortunate,” R.J. said tearfully in an exclusive interview with ABC10’s Nazy Javid. “She was always looking out for somebody else.”
Smith’s faith and service extended beyond her work as a flight nurse. She was deeply involved with her church, where friends describe her as a beacon of kindness and grace.
“Her being a nurse was just an avenue that she could share the gospel,” RJ said.
After her death, hospital staff held an honor walk to pay tribute to her faith and service. Her organs were donated, continuing her legacy of helping others.
Music has also played a role in honoring her memory. Family friend and Palo Cedro resident Tony Baldwin wrote a tribute song for the Smith family, “Our Angel Who Flew,” which has already gone viral and touched countless hearts across social media.
“Sweet Suzie, fly to heaven tonight,” the song says, “your healing hands now lifted to the light….We’ll remember the miracle that was you, our angel who flew.”
For R.J., the pain is still raw — but his love for Suzie continues to guide him through the heartbreaking loss.
He grew emotional as he listened to the song written in her memory, reflecting on the life and faith that defined his wife.
“Faith is the rock that we’re standing on now,
as we lift up our voices and prayerfully bow.
Fly home, sweet Suzie, heaven-bound on this night.
The Lord whom you trusted has guided your flight.
He’s called His own home, and with tears we know the truth —
we thank Him for lending the angel who flew.”
As the community prepares to lay Suzie to rest, her husband says he finds comfort knowing she’s still flying — just higher now.
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