3 Members of Medical Helicopter Team Killed in Crash While Flying to Help Patient: ‘Heartbroken'

Mar. 15, 2025

Three dead after medical helicopter crashes in Northern Kentucky.Photo:FOX19 NOW | Cincinnati/Youtube

FOX19 NOW | Cincinnati/Youtube

Three members of a medical helicopter team have died in a crash in Kentucky.

In astatementshared on Facebook, they wrote, “Air Evac Lifeteam is heartbroken to share that three crew members from AEL base 133 perished in a helicopter accident in Owenton, Kentucky today.”

Calling the incident “a terribly tragic accident,” the statement continued, “Our deepest sympathies go out to the employees’ families and friends. Our primary focus now is on supporting the families who were impacted as well as our team members. Critical incident stress management teams have been sent to assist our team members during this difficult time.”

The company added that they are not releasing the names of the crew members involved in the accident at this time.

Air Evac Lifeteam EMS helicopter on a helipad.Alamy

Alamy

“We kindly request respect for the privacy of our team members and their families in this difficult time. AEL will work closely with the FAA and NTSB during the investigation,” the statement concluded.

The Kentucky State Police later confirmed the names of the crew members in astatementon Facebook. “The Kentucky State Police gives our deepest condolences to the families of the three Air Evac Lifeteam members who were killed yesterday in an Owen County helicopter crash: Gale Alleman, Bethany Aicken and James Welsh,” the statement read in part.

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The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) confirmed they are investigating the incident in apost on X(formerly known as Twitter).

“NTSB investigating the Oct. 7 crash of a Bell 206L-3 helicopter near Owenton, Kentucky,” the post read.

source: people.com