No survivors in Arkansas medical helicopter crash

Pafford Emergency Medical Services has confirmed that there were no survivors of the crash of a medical helicopter flying for its sister company Pafford Air One based in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, US. The aircraft crashed in the early evening of 19 November in an isolated area near De Witt, killing the Air Methods pilot, Michael Bollen, Pafford flight nurse James Lawson Spruiell and Pafford flight paramedic ‘Trey’ John Auld III.

The company said the accident occurred during a response from the helicopter’s station in Pine Bluff to Helena Regional Medical Center. The Bell 407 GXP is owned, operated and maintained for Pafford Air One by Air Methods Corporation.

Dustin Ross, director for Pafford Air One, said: “We are of course all devastated and profoundly saddened by the tragic loss of these valued EMS colleagues and friends. We will continue to try and comfort the crew’s families as well as everyone in our employ.”

In a Facebook post, Greg Pafford, John Pafford and Jamie Pafford-Gresham wrote: “Pafford is devastated by the sudden loss of three of our team members. At this time we have no words, only prayers for the families and loved ones involved.”