ROCKFORD, Ill. (AP) — Authorities say a medical helicopter has crashed in northern Illinois, killing all three people on board.
The victims are identified as crew members on the aircraft: pilot Andy Olson; flight nurse Jim Dillow, R.N.; and flight nurse Karen Hollis, R.N.
The Federal Aviation Administration reports the helicopter crashed Monday night while traveling from Rockford, near the Wisconsin border, to a hospital about 60 miles south in Mendota.
The helicopter was registered to Rockford Memorial Hospital. Hospital spokeswoman Laura Maher says no patients were on board when the helicopter crashed around 8:30 p.m. into a field in Rochelle, about midway between the two cities.
Maher didn't immediately have information about the flight crew, but says crews generally consist of two nurses and a pilot.
The FAA says the helicopter was destroyed and all three people on board were killed.
Rockford is about 80 miles northwest of Chicago.
Rockford Health System has released this statement on its Facebook page:
At Rockford Health System, our hearts are heavy. We grieve the loss of three heroes who dedicated their careers to serving others.
At approximately 8:30 p.m., C.S.T., on Monday, December 10, Rockford Memorial Hospital's REACT helicopter crashed in a field south of Rochelle, Ill., in Lee County. There were no survivors. The crew members on the aircraft were Pilot Andy Olson; Flight Nurse Jim Dillow, R.N.; and Flight Nurse Karen Hollis, R.N.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of our three fallen crew members.
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This Facebook photo shows the Rockford Health System REACT helicopter.
