The Chicago Tribune reported on a tragic helicopter accident involving a REACT ambulance that crashed last night, resulting in the deaths of all three crew members: the pilot and two flight nurses. A local witness described how the medical helicopter, which was en route to pick up a patient from Mendota Community Hospital, flew very low near his home before suddenly crashing into a field. The aircraft, registered to Rockford Memorial Hospital, was carrying pilot Andy Olesen, along with flight nurses Jim Dillow and Karen Hollis. According to Lee County Sheriff John Varga, there was no indication the helicopter struck any power lines or structures. “We received several calls from witnesses who said something didn’t sound right — it was flying too low,†he explained. Stephen Richey, a former flight respiratory therapist based in Indianapolis, emphasized the high level of training required for those working in air ambulance services. Pilots must be capable of landing on short notice at makeshift sites, while flight nurses often provide critical care to patients in life-threatening situations. Richey added that these professionals are among the most dedicated in the medical field. “You’ll never find a more committed group of people,†he said. From the Rockford Register Star, we learned more about the victims. Pilot Andy Olesen, 65, was just one week away from retirement when the crash occurred. Karen Hollis, one of the nurses, was a mother of two young children. Both were well-known and respected in their communities. Karen’s husband, Scott, shared memories of her vibrant personality, describing her as someone who brought energy and warmth to every situation. Her children, Samantha and Sydney, have been deeply affected by the loss. This tragedy has left many in the healthcare community in shock. These individuals were not only skilled professionals but also compassionate caregivers who gave their lives in service to others. You can read the full article here. Additional coverage is available here, here, and here. Thanks to Chris and Dan for the information. Shift Control Assemblies,Automatic Shifter,Manual Shifter,Electric Shifter Ningbo Yongxin Auto Parts Co., Ltd. , https://www.yongxinautoparts.com