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.
UMMC AirCare Crew Identified in Fatal Helicopter Crash Near Natchez Trace
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.
Volusia County, Fla. — A 16-year-old boy has died after being found unresponsive in the Indian River during a weekend camping and fishing trip, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities identified the teen as Hunter McKelvin of Paisley. Deputies said he was discovered face-down in the water Saturday morning near a small island east of Maynard May Park in Edgewater.
Members of the group located the teen and immediately began CPR before transporting him by boat to Maynard May Park.
Upon arrival, officers with the Edgewater Police Department and other emergency responders took over life-saving efforts.
McKelvin was then transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased later that morning.
Investigators reported that no visible injuries were observed, and there were no immediate signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances during the initial investigation.
An autopsy has been scheduled as authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.