Pilot and nurse killed in medical helicopter crash off Catalina Island identified

Key Points:

• The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner identified the victims of a helicopter crash off Catalina Island as pilot Steven Robinson, 59, and nurse Jessica DeVries, 48; both were aboard a REACH Air Medical Services helicopter.
• A fifth person, Catalina Romero, a longtime Catalina Island housekeeper and mother of three, was found deceased after being transported as a patient on the helicopter; her son accompanied her to help translate.
• The helicopter, carrying five people, crashed into the water near Pebbly Beach shortly after takeoff around 7:50 p.m. Wednesday; two people died, two were hospitalized in stable condition, and one was initially missing.
• Search and rescue teams conducted extensive operations covering over 130 square nautical miles and located the helicopter wreckage at a depth of 218 feet; investigations are ongoing by the National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration.
• Tributes highlighted the victims' dedication to service and compassion, with REACH Air Medical Services and families remembering their contributions and impact on those around them.