LifeNet helicopter crash victims identified

Douglas Dispatch

A medical helicopter stationed in Douglas crashed into a Tucson neighborhood on its way back home.

One person died at the scene and two others were critically injured in the crash on Tucson's north side on Wednesday.

All three ended up fatal injuries.

The LifeNet helicopter staff that died were pilot Alex Kelly, paramedic Brenda French, and nurse Parker Summons.

According to reports, the helicopter pilot had been in contact with the control tower at Tucson International Airport, and did not indicate that there was a problem.

The aircraft, which was based at Southeast Arizona Medical Center, was returning to Douglas from Marana and was not carrying a patient at the time of the crash.

No one was injured on the ground, as the pilot was able to avoid houses in the area. The aircraft hit a fence and then burst into flames, according to reports.

Representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the accident.