Updated October 5, 2026. A REACH Air Medical Services helicopter crashed into the ocean near Avalon, off Santa Catalina Island, shortly after takeoff on September 30. Three of the five people aboard died. Two survivors were taken to mainland hospitals. The National Transportation Safety Board investigation remains open, and no cause has been determined.
Latest confirmed update
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department divers recovered the final occupant from the submerged wreckage on October 1, ending the search and bringing the confirmed death toll to three.
REACH identified the pilot as Steven “Steve” Robinson, 59, and the flight nurse who died as Jessica deVries, 48. Public reporting identified the patient who died as Catalina Romero, 45, of Avalon. REACH identified Brad Sparks as the surviving flight nurse. Romero’s adult son also survived.
The NTSB and Federal Aviation Administration are investigating. Investigators have not announced a cause or assigned responsibility. The article will be updated if authorities release verified findings.
What authorities have confirmed
Los Angeles County Fire Department responders received the first report at about 7:53 p.m. on September 30. The helicopter went down several hundred yards from shore near Avalon shortly after departure. The aircraft was operated by REACH Air Medical Services.
Recovery work is difficult because the wreckage is in deep water. The NTSB will document the scene and examine the aircraft once it is recovered. Its findings—not early speculation—will determine what caused the crash.
Why early evidence preservation matters
Important evidence can include aircraft wreckage, flight and maintenance records, dispatch information, crew-training records, weather data, air-traffic communications, electronic flight data, and witness accounts. A federal safety investigation serves an essential public purpose, but it does not decide civil liability or recover compensation for affected families.
Depending on the evidence, a separate civil investigation may examine aircraft maintenance, crew training, flight planning, operational decisions, component condition, and compliance with safety rules. Potentially responsible parties can include an operator, a maintenance provider, a manufacturer, or others involved in operating or maintaining the aircraft.
What affected families can do
Families should preserve documents, messages, photographs, medical records, and witness information connected to the flight and emergency response. They should seek advice promptly before records disappear or legal deadlines pass.
Eligible family members may have a wrongful-death claim. Surviving passengers may have personal-injury claims. These are separate from the NTSB investigation.
TORKLAW is available to help
Catastrophic aviation cases require early evidence preservation, technical experts, and careful coordination with official investigators. TORKLAW represents people injured in serious accidents and families who have lost a loved one. Our Los Angeles personal injury lawyers are available 24/7 for a confidential, no-obligation case evaluation.
For help with an aviation accident or helicopter accident, call 888-845-9696 or contact TORKLAW online. There is no fee unless we recover compensation.
Frequently asked questions
What caused the medical helicopter crash near Catalina Island?
The cause is not known. The NTSB is investigating. Any conclusion about cause or legal responsibility is premature until investigators recover and examine the relevant evidence.
Can families bring a claim while the NTSB investigation is still open?
Yes. A civil claim and a federal safety investigation are separate. A lawyer can begin evidence-preservation work and evaluate potential claims while the NTSB investigation continues.
Who can be responsible for a helicopter accident?
Responsibility depends on the evidence. Potentially responsible parties can include an operator, maintenance provider, manufacturer, or others involved in operating or maintaining the aircraft.