Medical helicopter crash in California kills 2

A medical helicopter crashed into the sea off the coast of Los Angeles, California, on Wednesday, resulting in two fatalities, two injuries, and one person still missing, according to local authorities. LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn reported that a medevac helicopter departing Catalina Island experienced the crash shortly after takeoff. Search and rescue operations are currently underway, and Hahn expressed her prayers for everyone on board.

The incident occurred approximately 22 miles (35km) from the Los Angeles harbor area, where Santa Catalina Island is located. The fire department and other local authorities responded to the downed helicopter at around 7:53pm (0253 GMT Thursday) after it was en route from Catalina Island to the mainland. Four out of the five onboard patients have been found, with two being transported to local hospitals in stable condition. One individual remains missing.

REACH Air Medical Services, the company that operates the involved helicopter, confirmed the incident to local news station KABC. Two deceased individuals have been confirmed at the scene. The same medical helicopter company experienced a crash on a California highway in October 2025, which critically injured three people, with one later dying from their injuries.