Suzie Smith Dies After Sacramento Medical Helicopter Crash: Beloved REACH Nurse Remembered for 50-Year Career

Susan “Suzie” Smith, a veteran flight nurse from Redding, California, has died from injuries sustained in a medical helicopter crash on Highway 50 in Sacramento on October 6, 2025. The tragic news was confirmed Friday evening by her family’s pastor, Travis Osborne, who said Smith passed away surrounded by loved ones.

Smith, who dedicated five decades of her life to nursing — including 21 years with REACH Air Medical Services — was one of three crew members on board the helicopter when it crashed for unknown reasons. The crash, which occurred on eastbound Highway 50 just east of Stockton Boulevard, left the pilot and paramedic in critical but stable condition. No patient was on board at the time.

Veteran Flight Nurse Suzie Smith Dies After Sacramento Helicopter Crash

Smith’s death marks a heartbreaking turn in the aftermath of the October 6 crash, which shocked the emergency medical services community across California. The helicopter, identified as N414RX, went down while on duty, leading to a massive emergency response and an outpouring of public support. Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the crash, and an investigation is ongoing.

Smith’s husband, RJ Smith, shared a deeply emotional message on social media, revealing that his wife’s final act was one of selflessness. “Even in death as an organ donor she will help someone else live on,” he wrote. “The hospital did the heroes walk for her — hundreds of people lined the hallways as they took her to the operating room.”

REACH Air Medical Services released a statement mourning Smith’s passing and honoring her decades of service. “Our REACH family is devastated to share that Susan ‘Suzie’ Smith has passed away from injuries sustained during the accident involving helicopter N414RX,” the statement read. “We will remember Suzie as a pillar of the EMS and healthcare community who saved countless lives by delivering compassionate care in their darkest hours.”

Smith began her nursing career 50 years ago and was widely respected for her dedication, skill, and compassion. Over the past two decades, she played a critical role in countless air medical missions, often providing life-saving care in high-pressure situations. Colleagues described her as “the light in every shift” and “the soul of the crew.”

Community Gathers to Honor Suzie Smith’s Legacy

The Redding community held a prayer vigil shortly after the crash, where friends, family, and colleagues shared stories of Smith’s unwavering commitment to helping others. Her impact on emergency medical services extended far beyond her immediate team — she mentored new nurses, supported families in crisis, and was known for her calm presence during emergencies.

“Her impact will be felt for years to come through the lives she touched, the teams she strengthened, and the compassion she embodied,” REACH said in its statement. “We hope she is remembered for the light she brought to every call, every shift, and every patient she blessed with her care.”

While the investigation into the crash continues, both Pilot Chad Millward and Paramedic Margaret “DeDe” Davis remain hospitalized in critical but stable condition. Their families have asked for privacy and continued prayers during their recovery.

Suzie Smith’s passing is a profound loss for California’s healthcare and emergency response communities. Her five decades of service, her selflessness in death, and the countless lives she saved are a legacy that will not be forgotten.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What happened to Suzie Smith after the Sacramento helicopter crash?

Suzie Smith, a flight nurse with REACH Air Medical Services, died from injuries sustained in the October 6, 2025 crash on Highway 50. She passed away on October 10 surrounded by family.

Q2: Who were the other crew members involved in the Sacramento helicopter crash?

Pilot Chad Millward and Paramedic Margaret “DeDe” Davis were also on board. Both remain in critical but stable condition in the hospital.

Q3: Was there a patient on board the helicopter?

No, there was no patient on board at the time of the crash. The crew was en route when the helicopter went down for reasons still under investigation.

Q4: How is the community honoring Suzie Smith?

Vigils have been held in Redding and Sacramento. Smith’s organ donation and a “heroes walk” at the hospital were part of her final acts of service.

Q5: How long did Suzie Smith serve as a nurse?

Suzie Smith served as a nurse for 50 years, including nearly 21 years with REACH Air Medical Services, where she was a respected member of the flight crew.