Local News
UMMC AirCare Crew Identified in Fatal Helicopter Crash Near Natchez Trace
Madison County, Miss. – Officials have identified two University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) employees killed in Monday’s tragic AirCare helicopter crash as Jakob Kindt and Dustin Pope.
The pilot, an employee of Med-Trans, has not yet been publicly named.
The helicopter, which was returning to base after a patient transport, crashed around 12:36 p.m. in a heavily wooded area near the Natchez Trace Parkway, north of Highway 43.
First responders were dispatched shortly before 1 p.m. A Madison County official confirmed that all three crew members onboard were killed, stating:
“We are on the scene of a medical helicopter crash in a heavily wooded area south of the Natchez Trace and north of Pipeline Road. There are fatalities. We are now awaiting the arrival from the FAA. Any other information should come from them.”
The University of Mississippi Medical Center later issued a memo confirming the crash, stating that two UMMC employees and a Med-Trans pilot were on board.
The helicopter was not carrying a patient at the time of the crash.
At a press conference Monday afternoon, UMMC Vice Chancellor Dr. LouAnn Woodward fought back tears as she addressed the devastating loss, calling it “a tragic day for the Medical Center.”
“Our entire Medical Center family is heartbroken over this,” she said. “We also want to express our concern and sadness for the AirCare team. This is the crew that responds to emergencies across all of the state. And to see them today responding to one of their own… it’s something you can’t put into words.”
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash.
Flight tracking data indicates that the Airbus EC-135P2+ (N835CS) helicopter took off from UMMC at 12:25 p.m. and was airborne for approximately 11 minutes, covering 23 miles before crashing west of the upper Ross Barnett Reservoir near Natchez Trace Parkway.
The helicopter, leased by UMMC through Med-Trans, was manufactured in 2012 by Eurocopter Deutschland.
The aircraft, which had dual engines and seating for seven, had arrived at UMMC around 10:50 a.m. after dropping off a patient, refueled, and was en route back to base at the time of the crash.
UMMC’s AirCare flight program operates four helicopters stationed in Jackson, Meridian, Columbus, and Greenwood.
Established in 1996, AirCare has since transported more than 18,000 patients and flown over two million miles without any prior FAA-reportable accidents.
“We have one of the busiest medical transport helicopter services in the country,” Woodward stated. “There’s a big demand for these services.”
Despite the program’s previously unblemished safety record, the Medical Center is now focusing on supporting the victims’ families and colleagues while cooperating fully with federal investigators.
On Monday night, Global Medical Response (GMR), the parent company of Med-Trans, released an official statement:
“It is with deep sadness that we confirm the loss of three AirCare crew members in an accident, including our Med-Trans pilot and two care team members from the University of Mississippi Medical Center. The aircraft lost contact with our Communication Center at 12:35 p.m. while returning to base in Columbus, MS, after completing a patient transport in Jackson, MS.”
“Our top priority is supporting the families, our team members, and our partners during this difficult time. Critical Incident Stress Management teams have been deployed to provide support, and additional resources are available.”
“Med-Trans is working closely with the FAA and NTSB as they conduct a thorough investigation into this tragedy. Out of respect for this process, we will not be providing further comment while the investigation is underway.”
At this time, the name of the pilot has not been released to protect the privacy of the crew member’s family.
Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the crash.
The FAA and NTSB will conduct a comprehensive investigation, reviewing flight data, aircraft maintenance records, and weather conditions at the time of the accident.
As the UMMC community mourns this profound loss, officials emphasize their commitment to supporting the victims’ families and ensuring the highest standards of safety in medical air transport.
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.