Son Survives, Mom Still Missing After Medevac Helicopter Crash Kills 2 Off Catalina

AVALON, CA — The son of a woman who remained missing Thursday after a medical helicopter crashed off Catalina Island survived the crash and is recovering at a Los Angeles hospital, relatives said.

Family members identified the missing woman as 45-year-old Catalina Hernandez, according to City News Service. Hernandez was being flown to the mainland for medical attention Wednesday night after suffering an allergic reaction to shrimp, relatives told NBC4.

Her son was aboard the REACH Air Medical Services helicopter with her and survived when it crashed into the ocean off Pebbly Beach near Avalon at about 7:50 p.m. He is recovering at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, relatives said.

Two other people aboard, reported to be the helicopter's pilot and a flight nurse, were killed. Another person survived and was hospitalized in stable condition.

Five people were aboard the helicopter when it crashed shortly after leaving Catalina Island. Four were recovered from the water Wednesday night, while the search for Hernandez continued Thursday.

Search Continues Off Catalina

Los Angeles County firefighters and lifeguards responded to the crash along with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Avalon Fire Department and U.S. Coast Guard. The Coast Guard said one of its helicopters was diverted to the scene and arrived within about 10 to 15 minutes of the crash.

Search crews continued working Thursday. Divers and a remotely operated underwater vehicle were expected to be used to examine the wreckage and surrounding area as the search continued.

The helicopter is submerged in approximately 240 feet of water. Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn said Wednesday night that she had been informed a medevac helicopter crashed shortly after leaving Catalina Island.

"Search and rescue operations are underway and I am praying for everyone who was on board," Hahn said.

REACH Air Medical Services confirmed Wednesday night that one of its helicopters was involved in the crash.

"We are aware of an incident involving a REACH Air Medical Services helicopter," the company said in a statement. "At this time, we are gathering information and coordinating with emergency responders and authorities."

The company said its immediate concern was for the well-being of those involved.

Cause Of Crash Under Investigation

The National Transportation Safety Board said it is investigating the crash and identified the aircraft as a Eurocopter EC-135-P2. The Federal Aviation Administration is also investigating.

The helicopter crashed a short distance offshore shortly after departing Catalina, according to authorities. No cause had been announced as of Thursday afternoon.

Flight-tracking data cited by local news outlets showed a REACH helicopter leaving Oceanside at about 6:40 p.m. Wednesday and landing on Catalina Island shortly after 7 p.m.

Less than an hour later, the aircraft crashed into the ocean after taking off from the island. The search for Hernandez remained underway Thursday afternoon.

Related:

• Medevac Helicopter Crashes After Taking Off From Catalina; Search Underway

City News Service contributed to this report.