Former Marine One pilot IDd 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.The biggest news, opinion and culture shaping California right now.

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Never miss a story 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 passiona...