Nurse onboard helicopter that crashed in Sacramento highway has died, employer says

"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. Suzie's 50-year career as a nurse included nearly 21 years with REACH, and we are proud to call her our colleague and friend. We hope she is remembered for the light she brought to every call, every shift, and every patient she blessed with her care."

"Our REACH family is devastated to share that Susan "Suzie" Smith has passed away from injuries sustained during the accident involving helicopter N414RX on Highway 50 on Monday night. We grieve Suzie's loss with her family, friends, colleagues, and the entire community that she faithfully served. Her impact will be felt for years to come through the lives she touched, the teams she strengthened, and the compassion she embodied."

""She's pretty broken up," Harmon said. "Ribs, pelvis, legs and her back. There's an issue in her back. And then the biggest problem is the swelling on her brain.""

REACH Air Medical flight nurse Susan "Suzie" Smith died Friday evening from injuries sustained when a REACH helicopter crashed on Highway 50 in Sacramento. Two others aboard, pilot Chad Millward and flight paramedic Margaret Davis, remained hospitalized in critical condition at UC Davis Medical Center. No patient was on the helicopter. A longtime family friend and Shasta County Supervisor, Corkey Harmon, said Smith suffered severe injuries including broken ribs, pelvis, legs, back issues, and swelling on the brain. REACH described Smith as a pillar of the EMS community with a 50-year nursing career, nearly 21 years at REACH, and asked for thoughts and support for her loved ones and the REACH family.

Read at ABC7 San Francisco