Ascension, Air Methods, issue statement about helicopter deaths

Air and ground medical transport suspended following helicopter crash

STAR JOURNAL REPORT

Ascension Wisconsin and Air Methods, an air medical transport company based in Colorado, issued a joint statement at 12:39 p.m. Friday, saying they are "deeply saddened and mourning the loss of three teammates" who were aboard the air medical helicopter that went down in Hazelhurst April 26.

The two companies also announced they are suspending operations of air and ground medical transport units until they "determine when it is appropriate to resume operations," adding they are working with "EMS partners and medical transportation colleagues in the region to meet the needs of patient transport."

"Our heartfelt sympathies and condolences go out to the families and friends of the crew on board," the statement reads. "We will not release any names at this time to respect the privacy of their families."

The accident is currently under investigation by the NTSB and FAA.

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The scene where the air ambulance helicopter went down Thursday night in Hazelhurst. Photo courtesy Oneida County Sheriff's Office.

UPDATE 11 a.m. APRIL 27

Oneida County Sheriff Chief Deputy Dan Hess has confirmed the deaths of all three individuals aboard the Ascension air ambulance helicopter that went down in a wooded area west of WI 51 in the Blue Lake Road area in the town of Hazelhurst Thursday night.

Hess said the National Transportation Safety Board will be on site this afternoon. More details are expected to be released shortly.

The last known contact with the pilot was at 10:55 p.m. Oneida County dispatch received a 911 call about 11:22 p.m. Hess said deputies located the crash site roughly 1 a.m. Friday morning.

8 a.m., FRIDAY APRIL 27 -------------------------------------------------

The Oneida County Sheriff's Office has reported that an air ambulance helicopter went down Thursday night in the town of Hazelhurst.

According to a press release,  approximately 11:22 p.m. the Oneida County dispatch center received a call of a missing air ambulance. The last known contact with the helicopter was at 10:55 p.m.

Emergency responders searched the area last known and located the helicopter. Details of the accident and condition of the occupants are not being released, however, media have been directed to the Ascension Hospital public information officer for further comment. Attempts to reach that individual have been unsuccessful.