Local News
AirCare Helicopter Crashes in Madison County, Pilot and UMMC employees killed
Jackson, Miss. – A medical helicopter from the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) crashed Tuesday afternoon in a heavily wooded area near the Natchez Trace Parkway, resulting in multiple fatalities, according to local officials.
The AirCare helicopter went down in a remote location south of the Natchez Trace and north of Pipeline Road.
A Madison County official confirmed that there were fatalities but did not specify the number of victims.
“We are on the scene of a medical helicopter crash in a heavily wooded area. There are fatalities. We are now awaiting the arrival of the FAA. Any other information should come from them,” the official stated.
In an email statement, Dr. LouAnn Woodward, Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs at UMMC, confirmed that the helicopter was carrying:
- A Med-Trans pilot
- Two UMMC employee crew members
- No patients were on board at the time of the crash
Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims.
Emergency responders, including the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Gluckstadt Fire Department, and multiple first responder teams, are on the scene.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is expected to take over the investigation to determine the cause of the crash.
UMMC operates the AirCare medical flight program, which includes helicopters based in Jackson, Meridian, Columbus, and Greenwood.
These helicopters are used to transport critically ill or injured patients to UMMC and other hospitals across the state.
Authorities are expected to release additional details as the investigation progresses.
Columbus, Ohio – A 24-year-old woman tragically lost her life following a motorcycle crash on Columbus’ West Side Friday evening, according to the Columbus Police Department.
The victim, identified as Katelan Phares, was traveling eastbound on Scioto Darby Creek Road near the intersection of Woodson Drive when she lost control of her motorcycle while navigating a left-hand curve.
According to an official police statement, Phares’ BMW S 1000 motorcycle slid into a guardrail, causing her to be thrown from the vehicle.
The motorcycle then landed on top of her.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene and transported Phares to OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital in critical condition.
Despite lifesaving efforts, she was pronounced deceased at 6:08 p.m.
The Columbus Police Accident Investigation Unit has launched an investigation into the crash to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Authorities urge anyone with relevant information to come forward as the investigation remains ongoing.