Former Marine One pilot ID’d as captain in deadly Catalina Island medical helicopter crash

The final victim in the terrifying Catalina Island helicopter crash has been identified.

Former Marine One pilot Steven Robinson, 59, died Wednesday night after a medical helicopter crashed shortly after takeoff near Catalina Island while it was transporting a patient suffering from an allergic reaction.

Robinson, flight nurse Jessica deVries, and patient Catalina Hernandez, all died in the crash. Hernandez’s 20-year-old son and flight nurse Brad Sparks survived and both needed to be hospitalized. Sparks is recovering while the young man’s condition is unclear.

REACH Air Medical Services, which operated the helicopter, described Robinson as having an illustrious aviation career highlighted by a stint flying Marine One in support of a former president. He also served as a Marine Corps helicopter pilot.

“Every stage of his career was dedicated to serving others with skill, courage, and humility,” the company wrote.

His family, through REACH, described Robinson as “a devoted husband, father, family member and friend who made those around him feel valued, supported and cared for. While his loss is profound, his family is grateful for the example he set and the extraordinary impact he had on so many people.”

It’s unclear why the helicopter went down. Officials say it took off and then plunged into the water near the island. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash.

REACH Air Medical Services also identified the flight nurse, deVries, as the other employee who died in the crash. deVries’ family said she was a “true hero, a devoted mother and an extraordinary woman whose strength, compassion and kindness touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.”

“She loved her work and was passionate about helping others during their greatest need. Jessica’s unwavering spirit will live on in the countless lives she impacted,” the release added.

The helicopter was headed to the mainland with Hernandez after she ate something that caused an allergic reaction. Her body was the last to be recovered from the deep Pacific Ocean waters.

REACH Air Medical Services thanked first responders for their assistance with the crash recovery effort and pledged to honor the victims and stand beside the families.

A memorial service was held on Catalina Island to honor the victims.

The medical helicopter crash came just weeks after a news helicopter went down in Chatsworth while covering a bus collision. Three people died, including a bystander, reporter, and pilot.

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