Looking back on the relationships I had developed with Kelly, Art, Diane and Dr. John McDonald I have to say I feel very blessed to be a part of their lives. I will always remember the look on their faces when they proudly wore the uniform, when they were loading a patient in the heat of the sun, and when they wiped the rain and sweat off their faces with a smile. They are the best of the best and will always be remembered as such. I worked 10 years at REACH and I know how we become more than co-workers or team members... we become family. I miss John (Dr. McDonald), Kelly, Diane and Art...I miss my family.
Ron Rackerby RN
Forever a Flight Nurse - Santa Rosa, Ca.
My thoughts and prayers are with the families, friends, and staff of REACH. There will be difficult times, but your angels, Art, Kelly, and Diane, are with you and you will not be alone. May God be with all of you during this difficult time and give you comfort.
Pam Humphrey, RN, EMT-P
Portneuf Life Flight - Pocatello, Idaho
The Life Flight Crew sends our condolences to the families, friends and co-workers of Art, Kelly, and Diane. May you find some comfort in knowing there are many who have you in their thoughts and prayers. We are so sorry for your loss.
Christine Murillo, Chief Flight Nurse
UC Davis Life Flight - Sacramento,, Ca.
My heartfelt prayers go out to the families and friends of these brave EMS professionals. I worked for Enloe Flight Care about 3 years ago. Our helicopter crashed and killed our chief pilot and severly injured the two MICNs on board. I know the pain you feel, and I feel it as well. REACH covered our response area after our crash, and I had the pleasure to work with the REACH flight crew on a call during that period. I was very impressed with the excellent care that was given.
I know there is a special place in heaven for those who put their own lives on the line to save others. I know your crew resides there now. I hope God's peace will reach all of your hearts during this painful time.
God Bless!
Jeff Moore MICP
Side-Trax EMS - Chico, CA
To my partners, friends, family members and hero's, no words can describe my admiration and love that I have for you three, nor can they describe the pain. However, REACH is no doubt a better place as a result of your presence and the many contributions you made to the team – I am honored to have known you all and will never forget you, Thank you.
Art – Among your many contributions, most medical crew will have been touched by the wisdom and support you departed to them within the dreaded QAB process. I will miss your subtle comments and sarcasm from the “front” of the aircraft. I always loved flying with you, not to mention felt completely safe with you.
Diane – You were our Mom away from home, you brought us a healthy dose of reason and integrity to our culture. I always knew I could count on you for an honest and rational opinion (even if unsolicited). I so respected you and your presence, your voice will truly be missed, though I will always know you will be there watching … ready to question.
Kelly, Kelly, Kelly, - Ohhh how I will miss you and our morning “debriefing sessions”. I have enjoyed and been honored getting to know the many sides to you (especially the softer one). You were truly an amazing individual that taught me so much. The memories (aircraft carrier landings, fountain swimming, black eye peas, Lake scene-calls….) will have to carry me until our next debriefing that I expect to have with you one day. - Jefe
Sean Russell Director of clinical operations
REACH - , California
To the REACH flight crew, members,family,friends,and all those connected with the program I can not find the words that state the gravity of this tragic loss of life,the heavy hearts,and the ocean of tears that run from all who are effected near,and far. My deepest condolences,and prayers to the crews familys,and the REACH program.God Bless you all.
Jesus Gomez,Flight Medic
CRITICAL AIR MEDICINE-CAM 10 - MARBLE FALLS, TEXAS
Thoughts and prayers go out to the families, you will always be in our hearts and minds, never forgotton...
Dave Caraveo, Flight Medic
EBRPD Eagle - , Hayward, CA
Gone from my sight, but never forgotten.
Diane; my partner, my friend....
Kelly; you welcomed me into this family and helped me along in so many ways....
Art; you taught me much, it was always a pleasure to fly with you....
I miss you all and I am grateful that I had the chance to know you, to work along side you and to call you friends. You will all be with me forever.
And to N25RX, you were a good ship. We will miss you as well.
"To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die." (Thomas Campbell)
Gordon Worley
Flight Nurse, REACH - Santa Rosa, CA
There are few words or deeds to ease the pain and loss the REACH family must feel at this time. We wish you the strength to cope and carry on in the name of these fine air medical professionals. Our sympathy to their friends and families and we are truly sorry for your loss.
Kevin Straight, MS,NREMT-P
Maryland State Police - Aviation Division - Baltimore, Maryland
All of the pilots and aircrews of the San Mateo County Sheriff's Air Squadron send our prayers to the staff and families of the REACH air crew.
Gary Hopper - Commander
San Mateo County Sheriff's Air Squadron - San Mateo County, California
Many thoughts are with you!
John Senft
Chief, Department of Fire/Rescue Services - York, PA
I am pleasantly overwhelmed at the number of messages posted here. This tragedy is one of those things that brings the reality of what we do to light. Though we all know we are safer in the air than driving on the freeway, it is still a risky profession. That risk, in part, is what makes it exciting. For those of you at Reach or anywhere else who might be rethinking flying, please remember this is a job that needs doing. Stay focused, discuss this openly with your emotions on your sleeve, and move forward. Remember Art, Diane, and Kelly continued to fly knowing this has happened before.
My family's prayers are with everyone at Reach and all the affected family of this dedicated flight crew.
To paraphrase President Bush after the Columbia tragedy, "The crew of (Reach) did not return safely to Earth; yet we can pray that all are safely home.
Brian W. Williamson, RN
Mercy Air 14 - Mojave, CA
Art, Diane and Kelly: I will miss you
Art, who knew that flying around with a box of Hot Tamales candy could be so much fun? I won't forget that, nor will I forget dinner on the Compadre when you told me what owning a ship such as her was all about. Thank you Art, it was a privilege knowing and flying with you. I looked up to you and always respected you.
Kelly, I will never be able to cause trouble again without thinking of you. You made me a better nurse and always kept me on my toes. I will miss you.
Diane, I always knew what your opinion was on any given issue. I liked that. I enjoyed our talks. When I reach my goal we can both have a hearty laugh. I will miss you.
Until we meet again.............
John C Gilday
- Kensington, Maryland
On behalf of the University of Kentucky Air Medical Service please accept our sincere condolences. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
John Isfort
University of Kentucky Air Medical Service - Lexington, KY
Shrouded in a cloak of sorrow, I sit.
quietly
weeping
I am so sorry.
Art, Diane and Kelly - may you rest in peace.
Kathy Logee, RN
REACH - ,
Our thoughts are with you.
Dan & Cheri Friel
LifeStar - Erie, PA
Well, it's been a week now after this tragedgy. I will always miss Art willing to take me up in the helicopter on his training flights. The most generous and caring man. He would always explain to me aspects the pilot goes through on every mission. I will miss Art's calls giving us flight following and his calls he made in the air during his missions.
Kelly is always an exceptional help for me and if there was a problem she would always explain to me things I could improve without putting me down. She is a most trusting and most loyal friend.
Diane has a huge heart and such a love for her job at REACH and her family. She is an all around great person to know and work with.
My prayers are with all the families, crews and friends...God Bless. I will truly miss all of you.
Matt Cravea
HSI/Reach Air Ambulance Communications - Calistoga, CA
The staff of the Coast Life Support District will always remember Kelly Bates, Diane Codding, and Art Gotisar. We dealt with them frequently, and were always impressed by their professionalism and enthusiasm.
Emergency medicine outside the hospital is more than just a job. These are people who go out into the night seeking to help those in need, not sure what they might find. Each response has its own unique set of problems- there is no ‘routine call.’
When you’re good at this type of medicine- and Kelly, Diane, and Art were not picked at random- you become both confident and scared. Confident in your own abilities, and scared because you know that despite your abilities, things may still turn out badly. Still, you go out because a life is in the balance, and you’re the one theyve turned to.
Kelly, Diane and Art got up in the morning and went to work because sometime during their shift, somebody was going to desperately need their help- and they were damned good at helping people. These are people to treasure, and their loss hurts.
Coast Life Support District - Gualala, California
"Whatever takes us to our edge, to our outer limits, leads us to the heart of life's mystery, and there we find faith. Faith is about opening up and making room for even the most painful experiences, the ones where we "take apart the chord" of our suffering to find notes of horror, desolation and piercing fear. If I could be willing to make room for my aching numbness and the river of grief it covered, allowing it, even trusting it, I would be acting in faith.
Perhaps this is how suffering leads to faith. In times of great struggles, when there is nothing else to rely on and nowhere else to go, maybe it is the return to the moment that IS the act of faith. From that point, openness to possibility can arise, willingness to see what will happen, patience, endeavor, strength and courage...moment by moment, we can find our way through."
Faith-Sharon Salzberg
We will make it though this and the pain will fade...but we will never forget. We must go forward in faith, believing that what we do...what Art, Kelly and Diane died doing ...matters and makes a difference in this world.
An Anonymous EMS Brother
- ,
We have heard the sad news here in Ireland. God Bless and may the winds carry you gently.
Ed Raupe, CFRN/CEN/EMT
Ireland - ,
Art, Kelly and Diane-
As I sit here trying to pay tribute to all of you, I find myself at a loss for words. I cannot begin to express the profound sadness, the emptiness I feel and the sorrow I have knowing I won't have the honor to work, laugh or play with you again. My only comfort is knowing I have three special angels watching over us as we strive to continue the work that each of you dedicated your life too.
Art- I always looked forward to flying with you. Your humor, charm and playfulness was a warm welcome to me as I joined the REACH team a year ago. You took me under your wings and I always felt protected and safe with you as our pilot. I will always cherish the memories I have of you and the laughs we shared and will never forget our "night egress" drill.
Kelly- To put into words the appreciation, the love and the respect I have for you is so difficult. You gave selflessly of your time and knowledge to me without any hesitation. Even at times when my confidence dwindled, you were always my number one fan with words of encouragement. I will always cherish the memories I have with you and the many laughs we had together. I fly today with you in my heart and with the tools you gave me to be the best I can be. I will always strive to make you PROUD. Thank you for being my mentor, my friend, my confidant and allowing me to be family.
Diane- You were always such a shining example of giving of yourself to others. You always took care of your REACH family as well as your own family. I remember the many times we flew together and the "difficult" patients we would get. You were always calm and stoic if when we were both scared to death. You will always remain a true example to me and someone I will strive to be like.
It seems almost impossible to me to think of going to work and not seeing each of your smiling faces. I have comfort in knowing you will always be watching over us. Forever in our hearts and memories. I love you all deeply and miss you terribly.
Sybille von Gunten, Flight Paramedic
REACH - Santa Rosa/ Concord, CA
The wings have changed and you will still be saving those who still need us the most.
Your friends and families are saddened, but proud, and the heavens gained new angels.
James A. Miller, RN, CCEMT-P, EMT-P
- ,
I was so deeply saddened to hear of your loss. I am so sorry for the people who loved you and the people of REACH. I still haven’t got over the loss of Dr. John McDonald and I am so shocked and sorry to know that you all died aboard REACH I.
REACH and the people of REACH will always have a special place in my heart. The buzz of the Agusta always conjures up so many fond memories.
Thank you giving of yourselves for the greater good of humanity.
May you always fly in beautiful skies! You are much missed.
Maria Emami
- Sacramento, CA
REACH personnel,
We know these are hard times for you and we pray for you and the surviving family members. Know that your work is noble and that your community cares for you greatly and that they, too, are hurting. Take care of each other and allow each other to heal in their own way.
Jim Allday
STAR Flight - Austin, Texas
From everyone at Aureus International, we wish to express our deepest condolences to the entire Reach family and the familiy and friends of Art, Diane and Kelly. Words are not enough to help the hurt at times like these. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers over these next days and nights that are going to be so difficult for you. May God give you strength during this time, and may God bless each of you .
Tony Bradley
Aureus International - Enterprise, Alabama
To Our Reach Family,
Our heartfelt sympathies are yours at this difficult time. Our own Packard Children's Hospital team was out with our Stanford Life Flight crew the same day to pick up a sick child dcown south and our co-workers were worried that it was our team that went down. We just never know, because we could have been with you...and we are saddened that these events happen in our wanting to care for the sick and wounded. We just wanted to send you our love and blessings to you and your families. You will be in our prayers.
Most sincerely yours,
Terry Davis, Maria Johnson, Pam Finger, Amy Welch, Fred Taleghani & Kim Kunst
Lucile Packard Childrens Hospital at Stanford
Pediatric RN Critical Care Transport Specialists
Terry Davis, Peds CCT RNTS
Lucile Packard Childrens Hospital at Stanford / Peds Critical Care Transport - Palo Alto, CA
To Art with his calming way,
To Kelly with her bright smile,
To Diane with her generous heart…
A darkness now comes in all our hearts and in our minds from the unbearable loss of each of you. But when the darkness begins to enclose me I just remember what you shared with us. I see it. I feel it. I take hold of it. The light of your spirit is far brighter than the darkness. Your light I take forward.
The loss of you makes me take pause. I stop. I hesitate to move forward. The path from this point is not clear. The way forward is not charted. The determination of you won’t allow me to pause. It clears the path for me. It presses me forward.
I lose my strength as I try to carry forth the load you moved for us. The weight of your loss is heavy. The good that you gave to friend, to family and to stranger alike is far too large for just one person to carry. You won’t allow me to fail. You help carry the weight. Your strength takes me forward.
Your spirit,
Your determination,
Your strength,
These are just a few of your gifts that we will forever take forward…
You will always be with us.
Michael McBride, Flight Paramedic
REACH - Concord,
Art, Diane, and Kelly,
I have so many thoughts and memories of the three of you. Dr. McDonald always said, "it is not good enough to do your best, you must prepare to be the best." You three did that on a daily basis. Your excellence not only as a pilot and clinicians, but as people raises the bar for all of us.
To Kelly, our standing joke was that I always handled those Mendocino flights for you. Know that I would have been happy to handle that one for you too. I'm going to miss your humor, quick wit, and task master abilities. The MOT team won't be the same without you.
Brad and the rest of Kelly's family, just know she was happy. I talked to her right before our flights and she sounded strong and happy.
Diane, I will never forget the conversations we had about our family. Your fierce love for them, our "God given right to kill anyone who hurts one of our children", our shared "worse thing" about this job, and your pot roast.
To Dianes family, know however much she loved this job and this company, it pales in comparison to how much she loved you.
To Art, I will miss your easy way. The way you brought calm and sanity to any situation. I'll miss your shorts and flip-flops, when it is really cold and you managed to find long-johns, and your bravery to walk around barefoot in the crew quarters.
Jennie and Art's family, he was an outstanding man. I would go anywhere with him before, and I would go anywhere with him now.
Michelle Shehan
REACH - ,
My sincere sympathy to the REACH family and the crews individual families. It's all of our worst fears come true this tradegy. May the memories of this courageous crew live on in those who knew them and in those who knew of them...
Laura Cooper
Children's Hospital Central California/Air George - Madera, CA
We meet so few real heros - those who dedicate their lives and energies to saving others. Art, Diane and Kelly are heros and give us all hope.
Jennie, John and Brad - we grieve with you, and will keep you and your families in our thoughts and prayers.
We were privileged to know Art through boating and thoroughly enjoyed his friendship and camaraderie. Everyone in his PYC family sends their love and profound sympathy.
McKenzie & Francesca Smith
Petaluma Yacht Club - Petaluma, CA
It's times like this that make us realize how close we all are.
I will always remember the chats Art and I would have on the radio when things were slow. And his great sense of humor. Never short with anyone and always understanding. He once gave my wife a ride in the helicopter and put her in the front seat as a favor.
Kelly for some reason always made me tongue tied when I talked to her on the radio and my partner would have to tell her that I wasn't as bad as I sounded. She would laugh and understand. That's the kind of gal she was.
And I will remember the times Diane would come over to Flight Guard and talk about kids and babies with my partner. It was always fun listening to them.
Special people in a special job. They will be missed but will never be forgotten because they are in our hearts.
To the REACH family.
My heart felt sorrow goes out to all of you. They were great people in a great organization. They will be missed but never forgotten.
Leonard Johnson
Former HSI/REACH Dispatcher - Rio Nido, CA
Our thoughts and prayers go out to family of the crew. Additionally, to the pilots, nurses and employees of REACH. Stay strong, your mission is vital and very much appreciated.
Deputy James S. Lewis, EMT-P
Lake County Sheriff's Department - Lakeport, CA
Dears friends: Cabo San Lucas Fire Department are very sorry to know about this accident, we are praying for those kids who lose their mom.
Sincerely
Firefighters and paramedics of Cabo
Juan Carbajal
Cabo Fire Department - Mexico, Cabo San Lucas
My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends. God Bless in your time of sorrow.
Darin Longanecker, EMT-P
Air Angels, Inc - Chicago, Illinois
I knew Kelly from Stanford hospital's ER. I was new in my practice but I will always remember how much I respected her knowledge, skills and ability to be a team player. You are greatly missed @ Stanford and will be in my heart and memories forever. May I achieve the level of professionalism, friendship and caring you did.
Maureen Sullivan RN
Stanford (Emergency) - Palo Alto, CA
I met Art when he was still just a kid, 25 years old, I guess. Then, like now, he had a youthful zest for life. New to the Coast Guard in 1980, Art, Jorge Arroyo and I met when we were all assigned furnished apartments in the same complex in Alexandria, VA.
What fond memories I have of Art: his favorite word was "convivial", one friend referred to him as "Mr. Razzmatazz", he kept his thermostat set at 92 degrees to remind him of California, and he always wore shorts and flip-flops.
When Art went to flight school, I had a St. Christopher medal blessed and gave it to him. He was moved, and said he'd keep it in his flight suit. I hope he did. I don't know for sure. We lost touch over the years.
I kick myself now that I didn't try a little harder to get back in touch. Especially to find out that Art settled in the Santa Rosa area. Most of my family lives in Petaluma.
If you recall an early 80's movie about naval aviators, Art was an officer and a gentleman, and he looked great in his white uniform! Art was truly a hero.
Ellen Jozwiak Terrill
U. S. Coast Guard Retired - Burke, Virginia
God Bless the lost crew of REACH....as the first mechanic REACH had,I feel the loss as personal as well....let them fly with the wings of angels and see them again when it's our time.
Doug McDaniel
Huntsville MEDFLIGHT - Huntsville , Alabama
I received a phone call last night with this devistating news. I knew Art in the 80's and early 90's in Los Angeles. Very seldom a day goes by that I don't recall some "words of wisdom" that Art had said, which still brings a smile to me. I was fortunate in personally knowing him. He definitely had the love for life, but his place in in search/rescue was truly his calling. Thank God for people like him.
I have read a lot of the entries and was comforted to read memories from some of the people who knew Art when I was around him, like Jorge Arroyo. Art would always call him "George Canyon." And he would call himself "Sentar,...."
Anyway, my heart and prayers go out to Art's family, and of course the family of the other crew members. You are in my prayers and the prayers of my family.
Robn Richards Averette
aaveret@bellsouth.net - Tuscaloosa, Alabama
We are deeply saddened by your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Amber Wiswell, RN, CEN, CFRN, CCRN
Air Evac Lifeteam Base 8 - farmington, Mo.
To the McDonalds and the REACH family:
Words cannot express the shock and heartfelt sorrow we feel for your loss. It seems too recent that we all mourned the loss of Dr. McDonald. This news, however sad, has brought back a rush of wonderful memories of a wonderful family.
As a former flight nurse at REACH, I have been reliving many of my experiences there. I am happy to realize that so many of them were flying and working with Art. Art, you always seemed to "hear" everything I said. You always took time to think of the crew... hiding candy in our helmets while you refueled, showing us the Christmas lights of San Francisco on a cold December night, landing at night under the Golden Gate Bridge - I'll never forget that call. There is a flood of other memories, too numerous to mention. All of them make me smile. All of them make me cry. The world has lost a wonderful pilot, a dear and funny man and a special partner. Jenny brought such joy to your life. Whenever I saw you together the room was full of laughter and fun. Very few people ever find their soul mates. I only wish you both had a lifetime instead of just 4 brief years. Cindy
Art, "pilot extraordinaire and friend exemplary." I have so many happy memories with you. I remember when you first were hired at REACH. It seems like yesterday. I gave you a place to stay, loaned you clothes for the Christmas party and in return you gave me eternal friendship. I will never forget our marathon simulator sessions, abalone barbecues, hanging out at Felix and Louie's... you knew how to live. I hope you brought your flip flops with you, I heard Jesus wears sandals too. Chris
We send our prayers to the loved ones of Art, Kelly and Diane as well as REACH and their extended family.
Chris and Cindy Kappler
Former REACH/Henry 1 pilot, Former REACH RN - ,
My thoughts and prayer's are with the families of the flight crew.Having worked with them all, they will truely be missed.
Ed King
Blue Sky Aviation - Oregon City, CA.
Art, Kelly, and Diane--
You leave behind so many gifts for us to treasure...
Art-- your insatiable love of life, you always told me that it was too short and to make it count, you were so right. Thank you for making yours count so much. Kelly-- your high expecatations and demands for the best, you always delivered and made others rise to the occasion along with you. Thank you for showing us how to strive for excellence. Diane-- your unmistakable efficiency and ability to take action and get things done. Thank you for your humility and professionalism.
These gifts will live with me and many others for generations to come. I will miss you on earth but will rest easy knowing you have joined our other loved ones in the heavens above.
Holly Weber
REACH, FWC - ,
My condolences to each of you during this time of sorrow. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Kenny Wilson, RN
UNC AirCare - Chapel Hill, NC
All of the pilots at Butte County Sheriff's Air Support extend our condolences to the families and friends of the REACH air crew that died in this terrible accident.
Don McLean
Butte County Sheriff's Office - Oroville, CA
To the entire REACH family and friends and to the families of Art, Diane and Kelly: My heart aches for you all, my eyes cry often for your loss. My sadness and sense of loss for your fellow crew members and loved ones runs very deep. Please know we and so many others are with you in our hearts, minds and spirits. God bless you all.
To Art, Diane and Kelly: Bob, Sherry and Dan (Medi-Flight 6/23/82) are so blessed to have you with them, just as your friends and loved ones were so blessed that you were a part of their lives here on Earth.
Nina Torres
Medi-Flight of Northern California - Modesto, CA
From all of us at Sutter Medical Center of Santa Rosa Pharmacy Department , we wish to express our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and REACH family for your unbelievable loss. Many of us had the privilage to work with Diane during her many years in the ER. Her quick witt, sparkling smile, professionalism and caring ways will surely be missed. To my roommate Sean, my dear friends Adrianna and Eric, and the rest of the REACH family, your hearts are heavy with sorrow, your minds filled with fond memories of good times shared, laughter, and now an unspeakable, profound sadness. YOU ARE STRONG! Day by day your pain will ease. Memories will put a smile on your face, warm your hearts and keep Art, Kelly and Diane's spirit alive within you.
God Bless you all. Keep an eye out for those bright,shining stars in the sky as they are keeping an eye on you!
Teresa Doud
Sutter Medical Center Of Santa Rosa - Santa Rosa , Ca
I'm so sorry for your loss. I heard the news on TV when I was home for Christmas. Our family's condolences go out to REACH and their staff, and the families of those who lost a loved one while helping someone in need.
John and Andrea LaCampagne
Anderson Valley Volunteer Ambulance - Boonvillee, CA
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of great sorrow. Keep your chins up, they're up there with the other angels and flight crew members watching over us.
Pam Stein RN
Eaglemed 8 - Perry, OK
AirEms.com sends our deepest sympathies and condolences.
admin
AirEMS Site - ,
As the most recently hired REACH 50 pilot (November 10), I only had the chance to work with Art, Kelly, and Diane for a few weeks. Art was instrumental in my initial training, and my lasting impression is of openness, kindness, and such vast competence that he saw no need to make a point of it. I was just beginning to know Diane and Kelly, but they already felt like family. As saddened as I am by this terrible loss, I'm comforted by the way not only everyone at REACH, but everyone throughout our industry, has come together around us. All three of my friends remain an inspiration and shining example to me, and I'll have all three of them along on every future flight.
Peter LERT
REACH 50 pilot - Santa Rosa, CA
Our thoughts are with all of the reach staff and their familes.
leighton nelsen
south coast v f d - gualala, ca
Our hearts go out to you all at REACH. May you find peace in this time of sorrow, and remember those lost mean so much to us all..
Michael Hendrick, Paramedic
Lifeguard Air Emergency Services - Albuquerque, New Mexico
How can words express the loss of your brother and sisters. Please know that I have walked in your shoes and know it takes time to heal. If I can give any advice at all, it is to focus on how they lived their lives. Remember that they loved to fly! My deepest sympathy to the crew, friends, and family.
Louis Lupo
Ex-Henry 1 medic / NFD Engineer - Novato, Ca
Art, Kelly, and Diane, I will miss you very
much. Thank you for your friendship, and
always making my day brighter here at
work. My deepest sympathy to the families
during this time.
Anthony Boone
REACH Maintenance - Santa Rosa, CA
To my mentors, friends, and family - Diane, Art, and Kelly I admired so much about all three of you. I am so greatful to have gotten to know you; and, thankful I saw you the morning of your last flight. I will remember the jokes that each one of you played on me at one time or another. I will continue to strive to be the quality of individuals you all were. I miss you so so much. Until we meet again, DKA and 25RX - may all of you rest in peace.
Adriana Tabulara, Flight Nurse
REACH Air Ambulance - Santa Rosa,
We're sad to hear of your loss
and we pray,
May God grant you the courage
to face each new day,
and gently take
your sorrows away.
With deepest sympathy,
First Flight
Health-First, Holmes Regional Medical Center - Melbourne, Florida
Since our family was frosting red helicopter cookies to share with REACH staff as we learned of the tragic crash, this activity will now be our annual tribute to Art, Diane and Kelly on each subsequent December 23rd.
Words cannot express the sadness in our hearts for the loss of such talented, dedicated and hard working people whose mission to save lives took thier own. The hardest part of this loss of lives is perhaps the season in which it occurred. Diane's children, in particular, may never view Christmas the same after the loss of thier loving, devoted and involved mother. We can only pray that in years to come the Coddings may find a family tradition that will honor Diane's memory.
As for our family, we will eventually move past the grief and become strengthened in our love for each other and respect for all of Brian's co-workers at REACH who continue to brave the elements and hazards to rescue those who need EMS help to survive.
May God Bless and keep all the families and loved ones who have been touched by this accident and may the lives of those taken from us too early be remembered fondly and with grateful respect.
Brian & Kirsten Carlin
REACH - Santa Rosa, CA
I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to the families and to the REACH family. I never had the pleasure of meeting Art, Kelly, or Diane but for those of you who did, I give you this poem:
At the rising of the sun and at its going down,
We remember them.
At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of Winter, We remember them.
At the opening of buds and in the rebirth of Spring,
We remember them.
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of Summer,
We remember them.
At the rustling of leaves and the beauty of Autumn,
We remember them.
At the beginning of the year and when it ends,
We remember them.
As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.
When we are weary and in need of strength,
We remember them.
When we are lost and sick at heart,
We remember them.
When we have joys we yearn to share,
We remember them.
When we have decisions that are difficult to make,
We remember them
When we have achievements that are based on theirs,
We remember them.
As long as we live, they too shall live,
for they are a part of us, as we remember them.
Author Unknown
Michael Ward, Flight Paramedic
Skylife of Central California - Fresno, CA
Art, you were one of the best people I knew and you always put a smile to my face. Thanks for sharing the sky with me that day you took me flying, I will never forget you! Diane and Kelly, I will miss your warm smiles. I have to remind myself that you passed while in the line of duty which is what you loved best, helping others in time of need. You will definately be remembered.
My father, Salvador Villagomez currently in Iraq, sends his condolences and sympathy to all families.
Nora Villagomez
REACH - Santa Rosa,
Our deepest sympathies and condolences. We also, painfully lost a member of our family and department this year. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help.
Lt. David Harris
Placer County Sheriff's Department - Auburn, CA
- ,
Kelly-You are SO missed here in the ICU. I will not forget the patience and tollerance you gave me when I was new to this unit. Knowing you I believe that angels do walk among us. Amy
Kelly I will miss you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Words cannot express the loss. You are my angel. I will never forget you!! Yolanda
Kelly..I will miss your smiling beautiful face.You were like a breath of fresh air and you always made me smile. My thoughts and prayers are with you always my little angel... Sadhna
Kelly , I will miss your wit and wisdom. That is one lucky group of angels. My prayers to your family and all those who had the priviledge of knowing you. God bless you.
Cookie and Sunny
My love and prayers to Brad and to Kelly's parents and brother. She represents the best of what we are all about. Father John Hester
Stanford Hospital E2 ICU - ,
My husband and I worked with Kelly at Stanford- when we think of her we see a great smile and wonderful co-worker. We are so sad, and want to pass on our prayers to her family and hope that memories of her will brighten their sad times.
Sue (and Larry) Williams
Stanford Hospital E2 ICU - ,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families, freinds, and co-workers of these heroes. Our thanks go to others in the profession who risk all to serve others.
Don Morgan
MetaMAP, Inc. - Lexington, KY
Our thoughts and prayers are with those lost and their families. God bless.
Malvern Gann, NREMT-P
AIR EVAC LIFETEAM BASE 12 - Yellville , AR.
My thoughts and prayer's are with the families of Kelly, Art and Diane.
Kelly was very special to me. We had known one another since we were 14. There will be a huge hole in my life with out her. I was very proud to have been a part of her life. She will forever live in my heart. I have my own Kelly Ann now 9yrs old, my constant "big Kelly" reminder. Kell, I will miss you more than you know.
Julie Sullivan
- Clayton, CA
Our thoughts and prayers are with you through this trying time.
Dena Powell, LP
Memorial Hermann Life Flight - Houston, Texas
Our thoughts and prayers go out to our falling brothers.
Jake Epper
Air Ambulance Network - Tarpon Springs, FL
To the family and crew members who have suffered such a moumental loss, your friends at Air Angels share your pain. We appreciate the gift and talents these loved ones shared with every life they touched.
Teri Campbell RN
Air Angels, Inc. - West Chicago, illinois
We are saddened by the loss. I extend my sympathy to the family, colleagues and friends of Art Gotisar, Kelly Bates and Diane Codding . May they take some comfort in the fact that their lives and work touched even those who were not privileged to know them
Sherwin Harris
San Francisco Sheriff's Air Squadron - San Francisco, California
Art, I hope (and expect) your crew shared your passion of flight and life-saving. An eternal BRAVO ZULU to you and them, and, my deepest sympathy to the loves ones you all left behind.
Art, we've certainly came a long way from the trials and tribulations of CG Officer Candidate School and our 1st tours at HQ and LA. I learned early on, being your friend was never a job, but certainly was an adventure. So I look forward to resuming our adventures some day, keep that co-pilot seat open, I expect a FAM FLT next time we meet!
From USCG OCS Class 3-80 and an old friend, fair winds and following seas...
Jorge Arroyo
U.S. Coast Guard - Washington, DC
Our thoughs and prayers are with the families, friends and co-workers of all involved. From all of the staff at Campbell River Station 108, BCAS
Glen Greenhill, Paramedic Unit Chief
British Columbia Ambulance Service - ,
On behalf of the PHi Air Medical Services Group and Air Evac Services in Phoenix, our condolences are sent your way. To the family, friends and co-workers of Art, Kelly and Diane, you are in our thought and prayers.
Linda Meiner, RN
PHi/Air Evac Services - Phoenix, AZ
Our deepest sympathies and condolances to the families, friends, and coworkers of the lost crew members and pilots.
On behalf of Station 251. Ladner British Columbia
Thomas St.Laurent
British Columbia Ambulance Service - Ladner, BC
"God cares about what we do. The details of our lives are the barometer of the condition of our heart." Art, Kelly & Diane, thank you for teaching me, sharing with me and being the professionals you were. Your Reach family is together and we will always remember you.
Debbie Ballew
Reach Flight Communication Specialist - Santa Rosa, CA
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families, friends and coworkers of those lost.
Aggie Pringle, EMA 2
BC Ambulance Station 684 - Prince Rupert, British Colimbia, CAN
It is with great sadness that we learn of the loss of your flight crew. Our thoughts are with you.
ER staff
Doctors Hospital Manteca - Manteca, CA
I keep asking myself "Why did they have to go?" The answer, because that is who they were. The everyday heroes that saved peoples lives, no matter the risk to their own. Art, Diane, & Kelly - Angels that walked among us until, finally, they were called Home. They will be missed by those of us left behind. Art, Diane, & Kelly - we love you always!
Kitty Johnson
REACH - Santa Rosa, CA
Our hearts go out to all of the friends and families who have lost a loved one. God speed
Danny Grieve
LifeNet Kansas City - Kansas City, Mo
Our thouhgts and prayers are with you all.
God Bless
Gary Sizemore, President
Kentucky Chapter AAMS - ,
When I am called to duty, God,
Whenever patients may be in need;
Give me strength to save some life,
whatever age they may be.
Help me embrace and save a little child
before it is too late,
or save an older person
from the fate that they would have had to see.
Enable me to be alert
so I may respond to the patient
quickly and efficiently,
to save that precious life you see.
I want to fill my calling
and to give the best in me,
to help bring life to everybody if I can you see.
And if, according to my fate, I am to lose my life saving there’s, Please bless with your love, peace and
shining light my family and my eternal life.
Now my friends are hero's for everyone to see. In my fathers arms my friends just got there wings...Now Art, Diane and Kelly are angels I do believe. Now there is no need to worry for they are at peace with thee. I love you all and I will never forget what you have done on earth for all of us.
Diane Hayes
Diane Hayes
Reach Administration - Santa Rosa, California
To Art, Kelly and Diane:
I only had the pleasure of working with each of you for a year or so, but in that year each of you were a huge source of inspiration to me. Art, Your piloting expertise and your attitude of always wanting to take to the skies; Kelly, You would do anything for anyone, anytime day or night, and I will never forget your witty sense of humor whenever I dispatched a call to your crew; Diane, Your clinical knowledge was incredible, and seeing all the training you did with Read (assistance puppy in training).
To Art, Kelly and Diane’s Families:
You have lost three unbelievably loving, caring, professional when they needed to be, but also funny, people. I know that words are inadequate, but I am truly sorry for your loss. We will always be here to support you, and Art, Kelly and Diane will forever live on in our hearts.
To my fellow REACH family:
As we continue to grieve, let us turn toward the positive, and remember the good times we shared with Art, Kelly and Diane. You all are the most supportive group of people I’ve ever known, and we are truly a family. We will get through this as a family. Three more angels are looking down and helping to guide us.
“Did you ever know that you're my hero,
and everything I would like to be?
I can fly higher than an eagle,
for you are the wind beneath my wings.”
Jeff Basham
HSI / REACH - Santa Rosa, CA
To the administration, pilots, and fellow crewmembers of the REACH Flight Program; other fellow co-workers; family; and friends of Art, Kelly, and Diane; I extend my deepest condolences.
Not only can I sympothize with you, but, unfortunately, I (as many of us in this industry) can also empathize with you. Many of us have walked down the path that you are currently having to trod. It isn't an easy path nor a fun path. It's a dark path with lots of emotional pitfalls. I do not know why I was chosen to walk this path, or why anyone else is chosen for that matter. But we have been chosen, and we bear the grief of loosing our own respective loved ones, as well as, share in the grief of others in the loss of their loved ones. I pray daily that no one will ever have to walk this path again. One day, my prayer will be answered.
Stay strong! Keep flying! Art, Kelly, and Diane would want you to keep flying and going about your lives. There is light at the other end of the path. Healing only comes after grieving. Allow yourself to grieve, and then give yourself time to heal. Draw strength from your friends and loved ones. You need them right now, as much as, they need you. Talk about your feelings, you'll be surprised about how many others are feeling the same way. Honor Art, Kelly, and Diane by never forgetting them or what they stood for.
Remember, that we're all here for you in spirit lifting each of you up while continuing to remember the legacy of all of our collective fallen comrades. WE WILL NEVER FORGET THEM!!
A Fellow Flight Nurse
- , Georgia
Our condolences go to the families and co-workers; and our prayers go out to the three brave souls.
Arctic Air Service
- Santa Maria, CA
Art, I will miss your mischievous smile and your gentle spirit. Your were an awesome teacher and pilot and I always loved flying with you. Kelly, you were always such a good sport. I will miss your passion and dedication for REACH. Thank you for believing in me. Diane, your were my amazing partner and my very dear friend. I feel so honored to have been your friend. There are no words to describe how much I will miss you. We will never forget you.
Holly van der Loo, RN
REACH - Santa Rosa, CA
Art, you always had a smile on your face, and you were the most comfortable behind the controls, as anywhere else on earth.
Kelly, you always took care of me, and were easy to approach when I had problems, or issues.
Diane, everybody knew at work that we had a love/hate relationship, for lack of better words, everybody knew that it was just that, love.
To the fallen three family members, THANK YOU for everything, and I know that you three angels will be up there, now, and for always looking after us.
God speed, and God bless.
Sean Cotton
Flight Paramedic, REACH 1 - Santa Rosa, CA
Our thoughts and prayers are with all the families of these three heros. Kelly, we feel so blessed to have made so many fun memories with you. Your great sense of humor and saying it like it is will always be in our hearts and continue to make us laugh. You truly are a hero. We love you, Kell!
Darcy & Jeff Channell
- Walnut Creek, CA
Art:
For teaching me how to fly...
for waking me up to the importance of being a good officer...
for sharing a couple of the best years of our lives...
for being my first real mentor...
thanks.
My world will be a little less fun, knowing you're not in it.
I'll see you again, I know. But I'll miss you in the mean time.
So long, my friend. And thanks.
john
USCGASLA '85-'89 - ,
"It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us - that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion ..."
Abraham Lincoln
The Gettysburg Address
Our sympathies and prayers are with the REACH family and the loved ones of those lost.
San Joaquin County EMS - Stockton, CA
We send our prayers and deepest sympathy to the families and friends and fellow brothers and sisters of flight rescue providers.
Clark Gentry, NREMT-P
Southwest Lifeflight-- - Las Cruces, New Mexico
I have worked in EMS for nearly 20 years. For 15 of those years REACH has been there to provide rapid transport and on scene help. One is always looking for the Red Helicopter when you are at the scene of something bad. Also as a former Flightmedic I know the chances that you take to give people a second chance at life. I know that so many people have benefited from your selfless service. You will all be in my prayers. Thank you for being role models in patient care.
Keith Fricker Eng/Paramedic
Northshore Fire District. Upperlake Sta. 90 - Upperlake, Ca
On behalf of the entire Air Angels family, I offer my deepest condolences on your loss. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
George Roe, Chief Executive Officer
Air Angels, Inc. - West Chicago, Illinois
From all of us here at Marin County Fire, we send our greatest sympathy. The countless lives saved by your service cannot be measured. We can only hope that this service never costs the lives of the responders and when it does, we can only grieve together and offer our support. If there is anything we can do, please contact me directly at bmeuser@co.marin.ca.us or 415-499-3742.
Marin County Fire Department
Brian Meuser, Training B.C. - Woodacre, CA
You have my sincere condolences in the loss of your flight crew, friends and family members. This is a true tragedy. May these thoughts and prayers comfort you and assist you through your recovery.
God Bless You All.
Beth Pease RN /Transport Nurse
St. Vincent / MCO / St. Rita's Lifeflight - Toledo, Ohio
On behalf of the Chandler, Arizona Fire Department, EMS Division, I would like to extend our sympathies for the loss of your flight crew. We all serve with our hearts, using the skills and knowledge of our trade. How often we forget that we also are offering our lives. Let us always remember the sacrifice that was made. Our condolences also the families of those who were lost.
Jill Saint, RN, EMS Program Development Coordinator
Chandler Fire Department - Chandler, Arizona
The loss of the REACH crew is a terrible tragedy for the community of Lake County. Art, Kelly and Diane, the heroes who were lost the day before Christmas, will be deeply missed. This crew was personally responsible for saving the lives of many patients in Lake County.
It was an honor to be personally touched by this crew. I, as well as many of my patients, thank them for their bravery, humor and professionalism. We all grieve for the them, their families and friends It is the wonderful memories of Art, Kelly and Diane that will be their legacy.
I thank them very much and I will miss each of them.
John R. Minotti
Cardiologist Lake/Sonoma Counties - ,
I was so saddened to read of the tragic loss suffered by the REACH Flight crew.
Art, Kelly, Diane will be in the hearts and souls of so many who shared in their same zest for their love of flying.
Having had the wonderful experience of being a member of a flight team we all share a sense of family. Their was something unique about being on a flight team, can not put my finger on it, but you all know what I am talking about….
Flights suits colors and ship models were different , but our love of what we did, was shared by all of us. Whether on scene sharing an MCI, or at AMES sharing a bear, one thing is for certain, flight families are grieving for the loss of Art, Kelly and Diane.
Regards,
Yvonne
Former Flight Nurse, Stanford LifeFlight
Yvonne Rodrigues, RN
Stanford LifeFlight - Stanford, CA
It is with a heavy heart that I extend my most sincere condolences to the families, friends, and crew of Art, Kelly and Diane.
Please take solace in knowing that many are alive because of these three heroes. Know that your brothers and sisters in the AirMedical community are mourning with you.
God Bless
Thomas Feller, RN
St. Mary's CareFlight - Grand Junction, Colorado
Success
To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded. - Ralph Waldo Emerson
We join you in mourning their deaths and celebrating their very SUCCESSFUL lives.
JD Phipps
CALSTAR 2 - Gilroy, CA
My thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and family to these truly extraordinary people. You will be missed.
Andrew Azelton
EMSA - Oklahoma City, OK
Please extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of the Reach pilot and nurses and to their co-workers for their tragic, tragic loss. The previous Saturday I was helping the PCAM with the Huey climb-aboard (as a former VN helicopter crew member) and watched with fascination as one of your birds flew Santa in for his annual holiday visit. I was touched by your company's volunteer efforts that day and am deeply saddened by your loss. God be with you and bless all of you.
Bob Moon
bmoon437@comcast.net - San Mateo, California
The loss of this crew to our community is tremendous and is only drawrfed by the loss to their families. God speed, my friends,..and thank you.
Mary Jo Winter
President, Cloverdale Health Care District - Cloverdale, CA
My heart felt condolences to the REACH family and those whose life will be affected by this terrible loss.
I never got to know Diane and knew Kelly for only a couple of months before I left the REACH organization, but Art was my mentor 18 years ago.
You see he was the "Ace of the base" for the Aris Helicopters LA office (I was sssigned to San Jose). Besides managing the operation he was a pilots pilot when it came to external load work or fire fighting support. He took his work very seriously and could set a load with the precision of a land crane. He was in a word "Awesome".
As serious as he was about the job, you couldn't help but like him for his easy going manner and that grin that just drew you in.
His off duty side was something to behold as well. He enjoyed life and had no problem demonstrating that to those around him. He really liked to have fun. Some of you will be able to appreciate this ... the first time I met Art was at an Aris Helicopters "Halloween / End of Season" party. He brought his entire LA crew in wearing "Grass Skirts" Some of us had heard how wild and crazy the LA crew was but this was just too much. After I got to know Art though it made a lot more sense. It was just his way of having fun, and it was contagiuos everybody around him always had fun.
Art never looked down at a pilot of lesser abilities, and always encouraged growth to the point that I felt worthy to be his peer, but most importantly he became my friend.
After Aris we went our seperate ways for a while but our paths crossed again when we were both hired at the same time by Calstar. He went to Auburn and I went to Gilroy, but Calstar was not the end. Our paths crossed again with REACH. At the time I was the base manager at Concord and I asked Art to apply for a position that was opening up. Once hired Art excelled as I knew he would. With in months he was the Safety Officer which was soon followed by other administrative duties. That was just Arts style, he tackled his work with a passion just as he did his personal life.
For those of you that knew them I truly believe that he and Jenny were soulmates. No woman in the 18 years I knew him could have made him happier. I also believe that Art had finally found his home... He had an organization that appreciated his efforts, doing something that made a difference, and a mate to complete his life. He was in a good place.
Art my friend for all the wonderful memories and your friendship "Mahalo"
You will forever be in the hearts of those who loved you.
Gods speed!!! It's "Tanker Time" now so have one for me. Our paths will cross again ...
Randy Ogata
Former REACH pilot and Friend - San Jose, CA
Every former flight nurse will always be a flight nurse and will always grieve the loss of another in these trying times. My deepest sympathies for the families and friends and beloved crew members, who are often the home away from home, during this time of sorrow. Please know we all grieve with you, you will NEVER be alone.
God speed.
Alison Hudson, RN CFRN
Washoe Medical Center, ER - Reno, NV
The loss of the REACH crew is a terrible tragedy for the community of Lake County. Art, Kelly and Diane, the heroes who were lost the day before Christmas, will be deeply missed. This crew was personally responsible for saving the lives of many patients in Lake County.
It was an honor to be personally touched by this crew. I, as well as many of my patients, thank them for their bravery, humor and professionalism. We all grieve for the them, their families and friends It is the wonderful memories of Art, Kelly and Diane that will be their legacy.
I thank them very much and I will miss each of them.
John R. Minotti
Cardiologist Lake/Sonoma Counties - ,
On behalf of Midwest LifeTeam: Our thoughts and prayers are with your team and the families of those who perished.
Frank Williams CFN
Midwest LifeTeam - Wichita/Great Bend/Liberal, Kansas
Art, Kelly, Diane: goodbye, goodbye, goodbye.
Laura G
R1 - ,
In deepest sympathy, I send heartfelt thoughts and prayers for the friends and family and Reach community who have suffered such a sad loss. Reach-Thank you for your courage, strength, expertise and caring. We are all so blessed to have you in our community.
Joan Perry
UCSF Pediatric/Neonatal Transport - San Francisco, Ca.
Art, Kelly and Diane, I wish for the families to know that they will be in our lives for as long as they keep us smiling with their memories! You should be ever so proud of them!
I had the pleasure of working with these 3 amazing, focused individuals. I was able to see them at their best during a corporate photography sessions on and of base. Thank you for all the smiles you brought to me! You will all be greatly missed!
Tony Irvin
Irvin Images Photography - Sonoma, California
I offer my deepest condolences to the families, friends, and co-workers of these three brave Air Angels...Having worked with and assited REACH 1 many times over the years, I was devastated when I heard the news of the accident. My heart is deeply saddened and I will pray extra hard for all of you in the very painful days to come, especially with Christmas tomorrow. I know I will count my blessings and feel honored to have been associated with REACH 1...There is no doubt in my mind that Dr. McDonald was waiting at the entrance to Heaven when these 3 new Angels arrived.
Brian Kornegay
Fire Captain, CDF Fire - Ukiah, CA
Here in West Marin we are fortunate to have REACH respond on our most critical calls.
To see that red helicopter and hear that beautiful motor (you never forget that sound) overhead, you knew your buddies were coming to help you and your patient.
Thank you to all of you that fly.
Chris Deibel, Engineer /Paramedic
Marin County Fire Department - Pt. Reyes Station, Marin County, CA
Art,Diane, and Kelly, I had the pleasure of meeting Art at Infineon Raceway this past summer. A real hero he was, I could gather from some of the stories he shared with me about flying on REACH and being a pilot. We only had a chance to chat for about 20 minutes or so, but I could tell this is a guy who loved his job, and died doing what he loved. Kelly and Diane took over care of many of my patients involved in trauma or some kind of accident. They were our angels in the sky, rescuing the patients from distant lands, that if it weren't for them would probably not have much of a chance. REACH 1 was a well known name in the Sonoma Valley during the 2002/03 winter when we experienced a high volume of major injury MVA's, many of them fatal. I think that is what inspired one of my good friends and former partner to join the elite team of RN's , EMTP's and pilots. To Art, Kelly, and Diane's families : Our hearts and prayers go out to you. Just know that your loved one's did a great service to Northern California and will be missed very much. REACH 1 = HEROS
Jason Stayton
Sonoma Valley Fire Rescue - Santa Rosa , CA
Art, Kelly, and Diane: We miss you!
Kelly: 'Miss Bates', I will miss your smile and kindness. Art: I loved flying with you. I will miss seeing you in your comfort attire around the base. Diane: I will miss chating with you and seeing your home projects. I will also miss talking to you about your special K-9s. Thank you for being a great part of our lives.
Debbie Biederwolf, RN RRT
REACH 2 - Sacramento, CA
I send my loving prayers to the families and friends of this dedicated crew. May all of the love comfort you in the time to come. "We are each of us angels with only one wing. And we can only fly embracing each other." ~Luciano de Crescenzo
Julie Carrington
CALSTAR 1 - Concord, CA
We will forever remember Art, Diane, and Kelly. You are all in our thoughts everyday. We grieve with the entire REACH family.
ICU Staff
Sutter Lakeside Hospital - Lakeport, California
It always weighs heavy on my heart when the EMS or Fire service suffers such a loss. More so however when it happens so close to home. My deepest sympathy goes out to those who grieve their loss and to the entire industry as their service and dedication will most certainly feel the vacancy that they leave. May you find comfort in God for all your prayers.
Jason Pannell
Medic-43, Redwood Empire Life Support - Clearlake, CA
Please accept my condolences for your tragic loss. Having experienced this same tragedy in our program just over a year ago, it is still hard to accept that what we do has its challenges, but because we love our jobs, we gladly accept them. My prayers are with the families of those lost and all in the REACH program.
Katrina Kish, RN, Flight Nurse
Mercy Air 2 - Victorville, California
To the familes . . . I cannot begin to imagine the pain you feel, and I will not pretend that I do. Mourn in your own way and know that you are not alone in your grief. My deepest sympathy to the families and their friends.
R. Zeigler
Peoria Fire Department - Peoria, Illinois
Our most heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Art, Diane, and Kelly.
It is very difficult to express in words how we feel. Kelly was Debbie's best friend, maid-of-honor at our wedding, and a very good sport as an unknowing ruse on a blind date with me 10 years ago that brought Debbie and I together as a couple.
We have many fantastic memories from time spent with Kelly and are very sad that now, that is all we have. She is a part of our family, and our two year old twins Mackenzie and Maxwell will also miss out on the opportunity to enjoy more fun times with "Aunt Kelly."
We do, however, take solace in our many fabulous photos of, and our reflection on, the all too short time we spent with the beauty and wonder of Kelly Bates.
We love you and will never, ever, forget you Kelly, The Buchanan Family - Debbie, Jon, Mackenzie, & Maxwell.
Jon Buchanan
- Gold River, California
To all that is directly affected
The REACH Helicopter crash that happened on the evening of 12/23/2003 with Christmas Evening approaching. As I came on to shift at 10:00 PM at Santa Rosa Sutter Medical Center, I was informed by the PM Hospital Supervisor (Lois Pah) of the horrifying tragedy that had just occurred. The Supervisor knows several of REACH crew members, and was extremely concerned. Lois, a dedicated employee of Sutter during a particularly busy time did take the course of action by keeping the hospital informed of the tragedy on a professional caring concerned level. Its gratifying to be employed at Sutter directly perceiving that we had the one of many hospital supervisors that responded on a professional supportive level. I could feel the entire hospital staff was affected with concern including Turing to supervisor for support. All healthcare professionals are united by the goal of saving lives, within this tragedy not only have the families and the community been affected, but the healthcare profession has lost dedicated members of the community. In the future when we see REACH flying in our sky over beautiful Sonoma County, We will always remember the three dedicated REACH crew members that tragically lost there lives in pursuit of transport.
The memory of the REACH crew members, the families, coworkers, and friends that they have left, although never forgotten within our prayers and hearts.
Sherri Batemon
Santa Rosa Sutter Medical Center - Santa Rosa, CA
The Giza Family extends their deepest sympathy to the Loved Ones and Friends of the Reach 1 Crew who lost their lives last night.
Our Family knows too well the risk that you take each time you take off to help someone in need of medical treatment.
Our father was flown from the parking lot of the Bodega Harbor Yacht Club to Memorial Hospital back on 2/14/87 after collapsing from a major heart attack.I am still amazed
at how you all landed there.
We appreciate the dangerous job you all do.Our thoughts will be with you through this sad Christmas.
Sincerely,
Bruce Giza
- ,
Dear REACH Family,
I was heartbroken this morning as I looked at the morning newspaper in disbelief that REACH has lost 3 family members. As an employee at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, I work most of my day in the ER, responding to traumas. I have had the extremely good fortune and honor to interact with members of the crew on an almost daily basis, and I feel a huge hole in my heart today, Christmas Eve, like I have lost members of my family.
Please, on behalf of myself and my family, accept our sincere condolences and prayers for the three crew members -- I will light a candle for them today at Christmas Eve services.
Love,
Susan Russell
Certified Clinical Laboratory Assistant/Phlebotomist, Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital - Santa Rosa, CA
I send my loving prayers to the families and friends of this dedicated crew. May all of the love comfort you in the time to come. "We are each of us angels with only one wing. And we can only fly embracing each other." ~Luciano de Crescenzo
Julie Carrington
CALSTAR 1 - Concord, CA
The flight crew and families of Bayflite would like to offer our deepest condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice helping others.
"We have another Angel now watching over us from up above ... although we did not ask for [them] to be there, we are grateful for their love. Keeping a close eye on us ... [They] will continue to fly by our side from the time we lift-off until the time we land.~Author, Nancy Hunter
Ms Alex Markwell
Bayflite - St. Petersburg, FL
What a tremendous loss to endure-- the talent and love of three giving individuals!!
My heart aches for these loved ones' families and friends and coworkers. I will pray for your comfort at this terrible time.
Mellissa Travis, Echosonographer,
Indiana, PA
Mellissa Travis
Indiana Regional Medical Center - Indiana , PA
What a great loss to us as well the flight crews families. We are grieving with you. Deepest sympathies.
Sutter Lakeside ER staff
- Lakeport, Ca
Our prayers are with the families of those taken too soon.
God must have needed more angels in heaven, but we here on earth will miss them greatly!
Cherish each day here on earth. Do not regret the undone acts of love and kindness.
Sheryl Williams Chief Flight Nurse
LifeNet 1 - Mesa, AZ
It is always a great loss when a loved one dies, and when three of our own die in the line of duty it is heard across the world. Our three fallen friends honored us by the manner in which they lived their lives; they will never be forgotten for all they have done. They made sacrifices so others might feel comfort and have a chance at life. They thought of others before they thought of themselves. They knew the dangers but accepted them with unyielding grace. It was the only way they knew to live their lives.
They were once angels that flew to the aid of the injured and infirm. Now, they watch over us.
My heart is heavy as I remember
Art – Artimus Wort – because he reminded me of the noble knights of old. Honorable, dedicated and a man of quiet dignity. I will miss you my friend.
Diane – aka Ms Kung fu –Your smile will be forever etched in my memory for its luminescence. Your kind ways, zest for life and your ability and willingness to share your knowledge and help us all grow and learn will never be forgotten
Kelly – Kell Belle – your one line zingers and your sense of humor made working with you a pleasure. Thanks for all the great advice both personally and professionally.
There really are no words to express the loss that I feel for my friends and colleagues. They were professionals in the truest sense of the word.
My deepest condolences and respects to each of your families and friends as we mourn your passing but celebrate your lives.
Lynne Kinniburgh
HSI/REACH - Santa Rosa, Ca
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. YOUR LOSS WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. WE APPRECIATE YOUR BRAVERY EVERY DAY.
GERRY SHEEHAN
MCFD - LARKSPUR, CA
YOU ARE IN OUR PRAYERS, WORDS WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO EXPRESS HOW WE FEEL IN YOUR LOSS,BY REMEMBERING THEM ALWAYS,THEY WILL ALWAYS BE WITH YOU
MKG
MILITARY - ,
Our thoughts & prayers go out to the famillies and friends of the lost team members. It's hard we have to say goodbye for ever.
Ella van Jurries
Lifeline Europe 4 Univercity Hospital Groningen - , The Netherlands
To Art, Kelly, & Diane,
I know that you can you here me because I talk to you daily. The three of you were not only my friends, but were my family. Kelly and Diane, you got the last laugh, (short sheetin my bunk), and thats how i' m goin to remember you. The sisters I always loved. Art was the one I could always turn to when I needed to get home and needed a little advice. I love and miss you. You truly are my family! See you in heaven.
Tim Snyder
Reach - ,
Kelly Bates was one of my dearest friends since the 7th grade. I was always so proud to say one of my friends worked for REACH. Bates, I will forever be proud of you!
Heidi
- Walnut Creek, CA
Your entire team is in our hearts and prayers. We had the priveledge of flying with Art during the 2002 Winter Olympics while he was up here with N25RX. He was an awesome guy. Again we are thinking of you.
Nathan Allsop
IHC Life Flight - Salt Lake City, Utah
Please know that you and your families are in our thoughts and prayers. You will be missed in the aeromedical community.
Shannon J. Miller, CFN
Louisiana LifeStar - Winnfield, Louisiana
My heartfelt sympathies goes to the family and friends of the REACH One crew.
Rick Patterson, MBA, BS, NR/CCEMT-P
Air MED One - Philadelphia, PA
Fair winds and smooth sailing, my friend Art. I wish Peace to the families of Art, Diane, and Kelly. My heart breaks for your loss.
Shalyn Sutton-Prudhomme, RN
Director, AirMedTeam - Redding, CA
Our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the Reach crew. In my 14 years as a paramedic I have had the opportunity
to send many critical patients with the Reach flight crews. Often you never new their names but you were always thankful when you new that your patient had every chance to survive because of this oustanding link in the EMS system.God bless them...they made the ultimate sacrifice so that someone else could see another day.
SHARI MONROE CAVAGNARO
PARAMEDIC - SOLANO COUNTY,
I've watched many times as the life-saving REACH helicopter touched down at many of the shootings, vehicle accidents, and medical emergencies I've been dispatched to as a police officer. I do as much as I can and then watch the professionals take over as the injured are lifted into the sky and swiftly taken away to a hospital, under the care of trained professionals doing what they love to do.
My brother Jim is a Deputy Sheriff assigned to a helicopter unit. I know if anything happened to him in the helicopter, that would be the way he would want to be remembered, trying to help someone else while doing something he enjoyed more than anything in the world.
God bless the REACH personnel who perished trying to help others, and their families left behind.
My brother Jim was very touched by the loss since he is assigned to a helicopter unit.
Jim wrote a nice tribute to the REACH victims if you'd like to view it at at our web-site at www.netcopspsi.com
Mark Lambert
NetCopsPSI - Antioch, Ca
In this life, we experience loss and hurt that we can not change; we will have to allow these events to change us. Please know, that the EMS community in the air and on the ground are there for you during these changes.
Deepest sympathy.
Roberta
Life Flight, Des Moines, Iowa - ,
My condolences go out to the family and friends of the fallen heroes of the REACH family. I recently had the opportunity to spend the day with some of the REACH team and fully realized the cohesiveness that is a large part of the flight teams. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Terry Praud
- San Mateo, ca
At times like these we all feel the loss of colleges. There really is nothing that anyone can say to make a difference in how we feel but it just feels good to know that we all realize the loss and send one up for the families that are left behind.
T R Stewart EMT_P/RN
formally with Ocshners FlightCare - Memphis , Tenn
Our deepest sympathies go out to the lost heros and thier families. They may be lost, but never forgotten.
Mike Patterson, Program Manager
Sierra Lifeflight - Bishop, CA.
hello,my name is nicole waits and I have been torn apart by this tragedy and first off i want to say GODBLESS the three angles doing their job to save others only to have the worst happen to them in the process. I think any person who gives every thing of themselves to save the lives of others even if it means risking their ownl lives are angles in the sky!!! my heart and prayers go out to the friends and familes of the angles only doing their job! I thank GOD for people like you all because i was in need of a flight when I was in a serious accident in contra costa co. and i needed a trauma center fast and I beleive if it were'nt for the promptness and the time and life saving equiptment they provide along with their wonderful care in my golden hour i would not be here today!!! piolts and flight nurse are my heros, I think you people have to be the most devoted people in the work world!!! What would we do without you people? So many things and people are taken for granted. If it were'nt for angles in the sky like you all there would be alot less people in the world like me who was given a second chance at life thanks to the speed of the aircraft and life saving nurses, the lifesavig equiptment, and the pilots who transport with only one thing in mind ,saving lives! What they do best !!! The thought of loosing 3 angles who are so special to the world is very hard to deal with. I don't even no these people but i feel like I do and i just want to say," i see reach fly right over my house all the time and i make it a point to always go outside and look up in the sky and say,"Thank God for people like you!!! because it is people like you who took part in saving my life and i just want to say you people are the best by far!!!once again your services are appreciated very much and i know i will never forget what they did so unselfishley for someone to save their life ,they risked their own lives just like they do everyday and they don't even think twice about it!!! as far as i'm concerned three lives were lost due to the stupidity of someone trying to end their own life, in the long run reach got the worst doing what they do best ,and thats saving the lives of victims in need of lifesaving treatments and the speed the pilots can offer for life saving flights.I beleive the crew was cheated out of life for trying to save the life of someone who did'nt even want to be here. I hope this person realizes what he has done and what reach sacrificed along with families and friends. he is the reason for all this I think!!! some people may not like my entry but this is just my opinion and i'm sure i could find 100 people who would back me on that!!! to the children of the flightnurse, your mommy is an angel in the sky and in the lives of all the people who's lives she has saved. i don't know her but i feel like i do and I wan't you to no that i am deeply sorry for your loss !!! My heart goes out to to you all and every time i see reach i will always think of the crew who lost their lives for another. And to the other nurse from contra costa co. you to are another angel in my eye's. God bless you and your family and friends!!! you will never be forgotten by anyone who knows how important people like you are and how much you are needed.i never thought i would be in need for lifesaving techniques and fast flight time, but one day I was and thank god for people like you all!!! i never even knew i was lifeflighted untill i was reading my med records. i was unconscious for quite some time and I don't recall my accident at all nor my time in the hospital, but for some reason i needed to get my records and that is when i found out. well ever since then i have been making a scrap book of my life since my rescue and i have really became interested in helocopters!!! only the medical ones! I always told myself i will never go in a helocopter because i was so afraid of them !then i got a ride, not one i remember but who cares, it helped to save my life in the GOLDEN HOUR!!! I did end up getting to meet the pilot who flew me to john muir trauma center it was the greatest feeling to be able to give him a real big hug and to express my thanks to him. it was a dream come true!!! I still plan on meeting the flight nurses and i will!!! i have 2 reach pens ,1 ink pen, a pencil and i have the pins on my visor in my truck.Last but not least, the pilot you are the heart of the crew because if it weren't for you nobody would be flying anywhere.pilots are the angels with the biggest wings by far!!! to arts family and friends,my heart and thoughts and prayers go out to you!!!the jobs your loved ones provide to people in need is the best !!!They give their all no matter what and people like that are considered hereos and angels in my eye's !!! flight crews for med purposes are needed every day and if it werent for them alot of people would not get the care and transport they need quickly in order to get to a trauma center fast!So lets take a moment and say a prayer for everyone involved in this horrible tragedy. Also next time you see a flight nurse or pilot give them a big thank you or even just a big smile to let them know how wonderful they are and how much their devotion to the people is appreciated! My dream is to be a flight nurse !!! I bet the best feeling in life is knowing you saved someones life .I hope the selfish person who tried to take his own life ,but instead took the lives of three innocent people only doing their job can live with himself and all the pain he has caused many people. to the families of the crew,your loved ones will never be forgotten in my heart!!!
nicole l waits
a very thankful person - lowerlake, ca
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice helping others. They will be remembered always in our thoughts and prayers.
Doug Schlangen Flight Paramedic
North Memorial Air Care - Brainerd, Minnesota
I was truly shocked and saddened to learn of the accident and tragic deaths of these three brave rescuers. Although I did not know them personally, I felt as though I had lost members of my own family. When duty calls we always respond. My deepest sympathies to the friends and families of these individuals. May you find strength to carry on.
Keith Hoyt EMT-B /FF
Northshore Fire, Upper Lake Station - Upper Lake, CA
Myself and my husband would like to send our deepest sympathy to the families of the Flight Crew. Our prayers and thoughts are with all of you throughout this trying time.
Juanita Collins and Jeremiah Collins
Volunteer EMT1 Clearlake Oaks Fire Dept. - Kelseyville, Cal.
During this Holiday season as we continue to go on about our jobs a loss such as this dims the light of joy. We all feel the light is much dimmer. My deepest sympathies and condolences to family, friends, and coworkers of those lost
C. Pritchard AAS/NREMT-P
First Health CCT - N. CAROLINA, PINEHURST
From the family at American Medical Response-San Mateo County Operations, our heartfelt sympathy and condolences go out to the family, friends, and co-workers of the entire REACH team. God Bless.
Kevin T. Miller NREMT-P, Clinical Coordinator
American Medical Response - Burlingame, CA
We are so sorry for your loss during this holiday season. Our condolences go out to all friends and family.
Eric Roberts NREMT-P, FP-C
Sky Med I - Houston, Texas
As a partner of a flight nurse, I am struck by how overwhelming this experience is for all of us-- a community that cares so deeply about the important work that needs to be done on a daily basis. I wish you and your families strength at such a difficult time. Be comforted by the love that surrounds you and heartened by the knowledge that each of these beautiful human beings were instrumental in sustaining life. Their gifts have been appreciated by so many-- they will never be forgotten.
Jonathan Fuchs, MD
San Francisco Dept. of Public Health - San Francisco, CA
Céad míle fáilte romhat! (Gaelic for A hundred thousand welcomes to you!)
Surely this is what God must have said when you arrived...just as so many have said to you while you were here. Happy to see you enter their hospitals or land on their pavements for yet another patient to care for. Pride courage and strength are what you leave us with. Thank you for these precious gifts. Rath Dé ort! (Irish for The grace of God be with you.)
You will never be forgotten in our hearts...this I promise.
Mo (Maureen)
HSI/Reach - California, Santa Rosa
We loved Kelly Bates and her commitment to excellence and her love of family. We will miss Kelly's sunny humor and sense of duty. She was loved and will be missed. We pray for Kelly, her family and all air medical personnel and their families.
Sally and Larry Brown
- Bellevue, , Washington
The family at Regional LifeFlight offer our deepest condolences to the friends and families of our fallen comrades. May God give you strength to help you through this time of sorrow.
Deb Milliner, Program Director
Regional LifeFlight - Rapid City, SD
To the families and loved ones of the fallen crew - my deepest sympathy and sincerest condolences. It is a tragedy made more poignant by the holiday season, a loss doubly felt. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of grief. May you find some peace and solace in the obvious outpouring of love and respect that grace this page. Your loss is felt by all.
Kevin Bleasdale
UC Davis Life Flight - Vacaville, CA
My deepest sympathies and condolences go out to all of the family and friends, and everyone at REACH.
Brett Spurrier, EMT-P
Mercy Air 3 - Banning, CA
The REACH Family has suffered a great loss, our thoughs and prayers are with them.
Mike Modrich, RN and Staff
Solano County EMS Agency - Solano County , California
I have worked in EMS in Sonoma County for the past ten years and have had the honor to work along side many REACH crews on various scenes and transports. Art and Kelly I only knew in passing, but Diane I had the previlage to get to know better in the past few months. Diane and her husband John were on a cruise with my husband and I along with many friends and colleagues. We hadn't even left port when Diane and I started talking....within minutes she was text messaging Kelly that REACH needed to hire me...Diane said that I was just like her in so many ways and that I would be perfect for REACH. I felt so honored that she believed in me. Last Monday I was hired by REACH and I owe it all to Diane. She encouraged me and believed in me and is truly responsible for my hiring at REACH. She and I talked about working together one day and how much fun we would have....that day will never happen. I am so devastated by this tragedy, my heart aches. I will fly in honor for Diane, Kelly and Art and continue to wear my angel pin. My deepest sympathies to the families, words cannot express the loss....live with the wonderful memories and keep these precious angels in our hearts....
Debbi Berto, EMT-P
- Santa Rosa, CA,
Please know that my heart is cut deeply with sadness at the loss of your friends, and also the sadness that you all must bear at this time. I offer these feelings to you as a tribute...even though I do not know any of you...even though I am a thousand miles away. Prayers of healing and sustainment will be offered to God this Sunday, December 28, at 11:30 AM EST at the Dearborn Hills United Methodist Church in Bright, Indiana. Some say, "My words are so inadequate in the face of such a loss." I say, "Words are powerful because we invoke the Lords divine intervention."
Dennis Schmidt RN
University Air Care - Cincinnati, OH.
my thoughts and prayers are with the team and the families.sorry for the tragic loss.
Greg Poirier, EMT, RN
Hudson, Que - Canada, Montreal
We will miss you all and may god watch over you and your families. We now have three more angels watching over us each day and there names are Kelly, Diane and Art.
Tobie Edmonds
Northshore Fire Authority - Upper Lake, California
We will miss you all and may god watch over you and your families. Now Dr. McDonald has three great crew member to start the REACH (angel) Team of the stars up there so tell him HELLO ! and to the crew member of REACH may god be with you and watch over you now!
Laurie Beth
City of Hope - Burbank, Ca
Our No. Cal. fire & medical "family" has truly had a grief-filled last six months, and the grief is tripled with the loss of Art, Diane, & Kelly. Maybe to you they weren't close "family" members, or maybe he was like the quirky uncle you only saw every few months. Maybe she was 'Superwoman', who balanced home and family with equal ease. Or maybe she was the quiet sister-until she hit you with a sarcastic comment, only to be followed by that impish smile to let you know that she was kidding. Either way, known or just heard of-this community is hurting for the loss. We joke about 'competition', but we share the air, demos, and sometimes scenes with Reach, and this accident is too close to home. To Pat, Sean R., Jim and Jen, John, Adriana, Eric, Sean C., Terry, Steve, Carlos, Holly, and the rest of the REACH family-they are not gone, they are only as far away as your thoughts. We are thinking of you and grieving for you and with you.
Chris Gossner
So. Co. Sheriff's Helicopter - Santa Rosa, CA
Again I hear the news and again I feel a heaviness in my heart.
Again I shed a tear and again I think about the families and friends left behind.
Again I start to wonder about flying and I again I realize we would all have it no other way.
Again I say a prayer and again I hope this is the last time.
Again I put on my memorial wings...
God bless the crew, the families, and God bless us all.
Karen Thurmond, CFN
Air Care Team - Orlando, Florida
My deepest condolences to the families and friends of the flight crew. May time heal your pain and may you find comfort in knowing that you are in the thoughts and prayers of so many.
Shannon Stone RN
LifeNet 4 - Tucson, AZ
My thoughts and prayers to the families and co-workers of Art, Kelly and Diane.
John White, CRT
Drs. Medical CTR. formerly Howard Memorial Hospital, - Willits, CA,
TO THE FAMILIES OF THESE THREE LOVING HEROES, TO OUR COLLEUGES AND DEAR FREINDS AT REACH, WE ARE OVERCOME WITH SADNESS AND GRIEF FROM THIS TRAGIC LOSS! PLEASE REMEMBER THAT WE ARE HERE FOR YOU ALL AT ANY TIME! OUR HEARTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL.
LISSA FORD RN, MELANIE VALESI RN
NIGHT SHIFT CREW KAISER ER - SANTA ROSA, CA
I was completely devastated to learn about the loss of one of the REACH helicopters. Working in Richmond, we have had plenty of contact with REACH and have always marvelled at them and the job they do. I have handed many patients off to both Kelly and Diane. To say that I knew Art is to say that I would see him keep a watchful and dutiful eye on me and my collegues whenever we delivered a patient into the helicopter. Our lives are better for knowing you all and a little emptier here without you. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families, co-workers, collegues, and anyone else who was lucky enough to have known these brave folks. God Bless
David Kamlan
Paramedic, AMR Contra Costa County (Richmond); Board of Directors, San Francisco Paramedic Association - Danville, CA
I have always had the greatest respect for the wonderful people at REACH. As an E.R. nurse, I have recommended your lectures, courses, etc., to my colleagues and to all the students I have precepted over the years. I am so sorry for your loss. Your commitment to your mission and to one another has been evident every time I have had the pleasure of working with someone from REACH. My most sincere condolences to the families and to REACH.
liz froneberger,RN
Kaiser ED, San Rafael - San Rafael, Marin Co
Dear Art, Kelly and Diane,
My condolences and prayers to your soulmates, families, friends and coworkers. While no one else can feel the depths of sorrow and pain those closest to you feel, we grieve with them. Your absence will be felt by all knew you and you will be remembered for the rest of days.
Peace, God Bless and may Comfort come to you all.
Respectfully,
Ken McCurry RN
CalSTAR IV - Ukiah, CA
It is with great sadness to hear of the tragic events of 12-23-03 for the REACH family. My prayers are with the families, friends and fellow colleagues during these heartbreaking and trying times. May God give you all strength in grieving the loss of your loved ones, for they will not be forgotten. Kelly, Diane and Art were angels in the sky who paid the ultimate price while helping there fellow man in times of desperate need. Even though I did not know them personally, I sit here with a heavy heart saddened by there loss. I leave you with this EMS Prayer:
As I perform my duties Lord,
What ever be the call.
Help to guide me and keep me safe,
From danger big and small.
I want to serve and do my best,
No matter what the scene.
I pledge to keep my skills refined,
My judgment quick and keen.
This calling to give myself,
Most do not understand.
But I stand ready all the time,
To help my fellow man.
To have a chance to help a child,
Restore his laugh with glee.
A word of thanks I may not hear,
But knowing is enough for me.
The praise of men is fine for some,
But I feel truly blessed
That you, Oh Lord have chosen me,
To serve in EMS.
AMEN
Author unk.
Marvin Jimenez Flight Nurse
Calstar 7 - Santa Maria, Ca
Kelly, Diane and Art: You left this world too early, but there is no doubt you left it a better place. We love you, and we will never forget you, for you and your families paid the ulitmate sacrifice - for others.
My Dad is proud of you, I promise.
Pat McDonald
REACH - Santa Rosa, CA
As a program that has experienced a similar loss in recent years, there are a few valuable things that we've learned as a result; sit, talk and have meaningful conversation with one another, take every opportunity to tell each other how much they are appreciated and mean to you (and do it often) and watch out for each other.
God bless and keep you all. You are in our prayers always and will NEVER be forgotten!
Dave, Maggie & Connie (Air 4)
Mercy Air - Anaheim, CA,
Our hearts are heavy to learn of your tradegy at REACH. We are thankful for Art, Kelly & Diane for having the courage to give the ultimate sacrifice in saving the life of a stranger. We pray their families find peace and comfort in knowing how many of us are keeping their loved ones close in prayer.
Michelle & Adam Voos
AMR Alameda County Paramedics - San Leandro, CA
My thoughts & prayers go out to the families & friends of those lost. They were Angels here on earth & now in heaven !!! GOD BLESS REACH !!!
Linda Lowden
- Puyallup, Wa.
To Art, Diane, and Kelly - I regret that we did not have the time to know each other better.I am greatfull for the time we had.I hope you become a part of that "little voice inside" which guides all of us in this industry. you are my Hero's. PEACE !
To your friends and families - After this tragedy, and having the opportunity to accept a ground ambulance position, I found myself worrying how my wife and teen aged kids felt about my career. Though they were shaken by this tragedy( the closest to home we have yet experienced), they all agree it is better to go doing what you love, than settling for something you may not. I am staying with the REACH/AirMedTeam family. I know Art, Diane, and Kelly believed in this. I hope you are able to find even the smallest amount of comfort in this. My thoughts and prayers are with you all
Michael Loew, Flight Paramedic
AirMedTeam - Redding, CA
to Kell Belle
From all your friends in the Stanford ER. We love you and will miss you terribly.
nou
- stanford, CA
Kel Belle, our many years together in the critical care float pool at Stanford; roaming the hospital halls at night or working together on a unit we had floated to where we were the only float pool nurses made us become even faster friends than two Kel Belles could be!! I loved your stories of your vacations. You were always so fun and so bright even when we were so tired . I just looked at old pictures last month and laughed at the picture of us at the Halloween party in SF. You were a cow and I was Superwoman. You are THE Superwoman. You were such a fabulous nurse. Although our busy lives and career changes made us lose touch - I always knew you were okay. I am so sad for your fiance and family. You were such a bright star in the life of everyone who knew you. Those of us who knew you were so lucky to have you in our lives. Thank you Kel Belle. Love always, the other Kel Belle
Kelly Hanna Ramos RN
Nursing Resource Consultant - Fremont, CA
It is with deep respect and reverence that I send my heart felt condolences to the families and friends of Diane, Kelly and Art.
To REACH, you set the personal and professional standard to which I aspire.
Mark Allan LaGrave
Medical College of Wisconsin - ,
Please accept my personal condolences to the REACH family and all providers affected by this tragedy. My prays are with you all.
Keith D. Micucci
University MedEvac - Allentown, PA
In peace and prayers to the families and friends of those lost.
Miriam
Eureka City Ambulance/Mad River Ambulance Dispatch - Eurkea, CA
There are no words to express my heartfelt sympathy following your incredible loss at REACH. Please know that my thoughts and prayers join thousands of others that wish you strength and courage when it is difficult to put one foot in front of the other. I pray that all of those in mourning find comfort and rest.
Pam Adams, President
O.B. STAT, Inc. - Arden, North Carolina
To: Art, Diane, Kelly
Thank you very much for giving everything you had to save the others.
You’ve changed so many people’s lives
To: All EMS personal
Thank you very much for continuing to give everything you have so that the others have a chance to see tomorrow.
You guys are true heroes
Yumi Helmick
- ,
My daughter and I want to express our deep respect for the crew, and our sympathy for those they left behind. "Christmas is about family" she said, "and the helicopter family will miss them"
Rick Baker, Flight Paramedic, and Lauren (9)
LifeFlight Eagle - Kansas City, MO,
Words can not describe the devastation I feel for the families of this fine flight crew. I flew hundreds of hours with Art in the Coast Guard and Aris. He is one of the finest pilots I know. One of the finest people I will ever know. I will miss my friend.
Bobby Cohen
U.S. Coast Guard (ret.) - Prescott Valley, Arizona
My deepest condolences to the employees of REACH and the families and friends of the crew. God Bless you will all be missed.
Chris Eberle NREMT-P
AMR, Contra Costa County - Livermore, CA
On behalf of the LifeNet Omaha team, our thoughts and prayers are with the REACH family during their time of grief. Our deepest sympathies.......
Chad Rasmussen, RN, BSN, CEN
LifeNet Omaha - Omaha, NE
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO TO THE FAMILIES OF THE CREW MEMBERS AND THE REACH FAMILY. I'M REALLY GOING TO MISS ALL 3 OF YOU. ART- I WAS HOPING TO WORK WITH YOU ONE DAY, AS A FELLOW PILOT. KELLY- EVEN THOUGH WE HAVE NEVER MET, WE DID TALK ON THE PHONE MANY TIMES. DIANNE- I NEVER HAD THE PLEASURE TO MEET YOU IN PERSON, WE DID TALK ON THE PHONE A FEW TIMES. FROM WHAT I HAVE HEARD YOU WERE A WONDERFULY FLIGHT NURSE AND TRAINER OF DOGS FOR THE CCI, WOW THATS IMPRESSIVE. I AM GOING TO MISS ALL 3 OF YOU. WELL NOW THERE ARE 3 MORE ANGELS WATCHING OVER US.
NICK BARBER
HSI/REACH - DISPATCH - Santa Rosa, CA
I am deeply saddened to hear of your loss. I have the sincerest and deepest of respect for all of you as both friends and collegues. May God bless you and comfort you through this
Tim Castelli, FN
CALSTAR 1 - Concord, CA
I can't explain the loss and heartache I felt when I recieved the phone call which informed me of what had happend. I only transported the crew a few times by ambulance, but that was enough. I saw how dedicated and hardworking they were. Above all, how well they treated their pts. My condolences go out to all of their families and friends. I only hope that like Art, Diane, and Kelly, I could be so lucky to go while doing something I so dearly loved.
Josey Russell - EMT
Bayshore Ambulance - Bay Area, CA
I would like to say I am sorry for your loss of Pilot Art Gotistar and Nurses Diane Codding and Kelly Bates. They were true Hero's I know this because I have Had the Pleasure of working with them thru the fire service. Again I am truly sorry for your loss and the loss of the family members They were true Hero's Plain & Simple
Captin: John Thomen
Little Lake Fire Dist. - Willits, CA.
My prayers our with them and their family.
Chris Nelson
Life-Assist, Inc. - Rancho Cordova, California
All of us in the EMS system in San Francisco wish the families and friends of Diane, Kelly and Art the strength to cope with their loss and the will to remember them always. We are heartbroken and proud of their contributions.
Stephen La Plante
Dept. of Public Health-EMS & Emergency Ops - San Francisco,
In my work on designing spinal injury patient stabilization equipment for air transport, I have come to have the greatest respect for REACH nurses' professionalism and eagerness to improve what is already the best standard of care. To lose any of these people is a painful loss to us all. My heart goes out to you who must now continue without them.
Eric E. Sabelman
VA Rehabilitation R&D Center - Palo Alto, CA
God Bless the entire REACH Team & their families in this trying time.
John Williams - Transport Coordinator
STAT MedEvac Program - Pittsburgh, PA
After a 30+ year career in fire/EMS, including 10 years as a certified Paramedic, It has been my honor and priviledge to have served with numerous medical flight crews, under arduous circumstances.
My former wife is still a flight nurse and pilot in Durango, Colorado.
I fully understand and sympathize with the loss, grief and shock of this tradegy.
All members of Reach, other flight crew teams around the world, Including the fire, EMS and police personnel, share in this loss of talented, caring, professionals. People doing what their lives were committed to do. Sharing who and what they chose to do with all whom they came into contact with.
No more selfless acts or ultimate sacriface could be asked for.
Our thoughts, love, blessings, prayers and condolences go to all the Reach family, the families, friends, co-workers of Art, Kelly, Diane, and the patient.
Take strength and solace from each other.
We go on in their names.
God bless us all.
Don L. Newman, Deputy Fire Marshal
San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District - San Ramon, California
"Our hearts are broken as we have lost three heroes, three friends...and the world has lost something special." ~AirLife Denver
Linda Gray, RN
AirLife - Denver, Colorado
Everyone in the small world of EMS flying feels your loss and grieves with you. All our prayers are with you.
Tim Whaylen
Luke's One - Duluth, MN
My thoughts and prays goes out to the Flight Crew's family and fellow Flight Crew team members.
My brief experience with REACH this past fall at your Napa Pediatric conference demonstrated an outstanding, dedicated, well educated and fun loving crew.
Your loss is also our loss.
Bob Fisher, RN, NREMT-P, Adult Flight Nurse
NW MedStar - Spokane, WA
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families, friends and crew members of REACH, I hope knowning that they are in a better place looking over all us will help heal the pain in time.
Willie Myers,BS,NREMT-P
Dekalb County Fire Rescue, Special Operations Division - Canton, Ga
I burst into tears when my daughter told me the terrible news. You see, my grandson was flown out of Gualala, CA just a few days prior to this tragedy and our whole family is so grateful that such brave men and women are willing to risk so much for us. Please know that we send our heartfelt condolences to the REACH organization and to the families of Art, Kelly and Diane.
Kathy Massara
concerned citizen - Gualala, CA
Fair winds and following seas, Art.
John Mitchell
AirMedTeam - Redding, Ca
On behalf of Guardian Air we send our heartfelt condolences and prayers to the families of Art, Kelly and Diane. Having gone through this painful experience we can only hope that all of you who have worked and played with these very special individuals will know that you have and will always have these Angels amongst you.
Guardian Air - Flagstaff, Arizona
lOur thoughts and prayers are with you on this the day after your loss. We say thanks to those who give their lives doing for others and hope they hear our prayers and praise..
Brent Hamilton
Air Care - Farmington, nm
Just wanted you to know we have heard the story and cried right along with you all. You are in our hearts, on our minds and part of our prayers today. Your fellow flights nurses from the Midwest.
Teresa & Shelly
ARCH Air Medical Service - Effingham, Illinois
Many of us have moved on from REACH, but the bonds we created, the friendships we fostered and love we shared are never forgotten.
To Art, Kelly, and Dianne:
You will be in our thoughts and hearts forever.
Bill Sugiyama, NREMT -P, Trauma Coordinator
Alameda County Emergency Medical Services - San Leandro, CA
To all those at Reach, condolences to you and your families during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
UC Davis ER
- Sacramento,
I am profoundly saddened by the loss of your flight crew just before Christmas, and my prayers and condolences go out to their families. I commend them for their unheralded bravery in performing their dutiy. I've been an EMS pilot for 4 years and as a Coast Guard pilot flew for 3 years out of Arcata, California, a bit to the north. I recognize the challenging conditions they routinely faced to complete a mission.
John Murray
Critical Air Medicine - Kerrville, TX
Our thoughts and prayers are with you
Shannon Tasker flight paramedic
Spirit of Marshfield - Marshfield, Wi
My deepest condolences to the employees of REACH and the families and friends of the crew. God Bless.
Jonathan Allua, Rescue Training Officer
Austin-Travis County EMS, Special Operations Division - Austin, Texas
Our thoughts and prayers are with you
Board of Directors
Space Nursing Society - Palmdale, CA
Dear REACH Team:
Our most sincere sympathies go to your program and to the families of the crew members you lost this week. Your in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Jerry Splitt
Program Coordinator
Jerry Splitt
Life Flight, Geisinger Medical Center - Danville, PA
I remember being a new cop, and going to some pretty horrific crashes. First you'd hear the turbine and rotor blades in the distance, and then that bright white landing light would appear. And then like Angels of God coming down from Heaven, that bright red helicopter would touch down on every kind of terrain you could imagine.
The flight nurses worked their magic, the patient was carefully loaded onboard, and as quickly as they arrived, those heroric crews dissapeared into the night making someone's tragedy, no longer a tragedy.
Everytime I found myself looking up in amazement saying "how do they do that".
Darkness, Winds, Wires, Rain, they always came no matter what the challenge.
Working Marine Patrol in the middle of nowhere at the scene of a major boat crash.
No fire trucks to respond. No Ambulance access. Only me scratching my head wondering how the hell we'll gonna work this one...
And once again, that bright red helicopter appearing out of nowhere like God's hand reaching down to help.
The pilot sets the bird down on a narrow dirt levee and the 2 flight nurses get out with enthusiasm and professionalism second to none. They pat me on the back, say "no worries, we'll handle it from here"...
And as they lift off only a few moments later, I hear myself looking up in amazement asking myself out loud...
"How do they do that".
In a strange twist of fate - I'm not looking up anymore. I'm looking down from a beautiful Bell 407 patrol helo.
Because I have had the opportunity to experience, see, and feel what those "REACH" AirGods do on a daily basis,
I now know something that all the Families need to know.
I know something that all the friends and co-workers need to know.
I know something that all the loved ones need to know...
Art, Diane, and Kelly would not have had it
"Any Other Way".
We accept the Risk
We accept the Dangers
We accept the Challenges presented
Because to all of us who proudly wear those wings on our uniforms -
There is NOTHING like flying next to God while helping others in need.
If you don't understand it now, you will in time. Those 3 heros wouldn't have had it any other way.
I often kid around with the guys at work and am known for making the comment
"You are like a God to me!"
Everynow and then I mean it...
Most the time I say it with a sarcastic grin...
But to Art, Diane, and Kelly,
"You Are like Gods to me"
I will think of you every hour in the sky,
and I know you are right up there besides us. Thank you for your talent and compassion. Thank you for your love.
Thank you for your dedication. Thank you for being our Heros, and thank you for making us so proud of you.
The hundreds of people whose lives you touched you are reflected by the many comments listed here, and that doesn't even begin to include patients.
Much Love and Respect to you heroic AirGods, and to those feeling the pain of your loss.
See you in Heaven when its time....
jim
James Lambert
Contra Costa County S.O / Helicopter STARR1 - Concord, Ca
With deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Art, Diane , and Kelly.
Leyva Family
- Los Angeles, CA
I am impressed, but not surprised, at the outpouring of heart felt sympathy from your medical services community. I too want to extend my deepest sympathy to REACH personnel, family and friends of Diane, Kelly and Art over this tragedy.
Art and I became close friends over recent years through his second passion, his 1929 classic wooden yacht. As a fellow yacht owner, we enjoyed our time away from work on each other’s vessels. Art would glow with pride whenever aboard his beloved “COMPADRE”. We talked in length about our dreams of future cruising adventures. I will never again cruise without thinking of Art being beside me as my co-pilot and to share in the adventure in spirit. He will be painfully missed, but never forgotten
G James Keller, VCO Petaluma Yacht Club
- Petaluma, CA
To all those at Reach, condolences to you and your families during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
UC Davis ER
- Sacramento,
My thoughts are with all of you and for the families of the victims.
Steve Whittaker
Whittaker Photography - CA, Foster City
Me and my family are so sorry to hear about the loss of the crew. We pray and hope for some comfort to the families, friends, and fellow crew members in their loss in knowing that they were doing what they loved.
Bob Foster, RN, MICN, Flight Nurse
Aeromedevac - Saugus/San Diego,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and the families in your time of sorrow. They may be gone but are not forgotten. God Bless.
Mark L. Van RN, CEN
- Hackensack, NJ
Words cannot express the loss to the families, friends and air medical community that has happened during this normally joyous time of year. Know that a part of my heart and soul are with each of them.
Michael Emmens, RN
Mercy Flights Air and Ground Ambulance - Medford, Oregon
My thoughts and prayers are with the Families and the members of Reach. Even though we do not know each other your loss strikes just as hard.
Dale Kuenzli CEP
Tri State Careflight - Bullhead and Parker, Arizona
May your way be blessed, may fulfillments light shine upon you, and may your journey also bring you peace. We will miss you
Ryan Balows
Medic - San Francisco, CA
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at REACH. God Bless and comfort.
Janet Peck RN
American Medflight - Elko - Reno, NV
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire REACH family at this devastating time. Art, Diane and Kelly will always be remembered.
Tammy Renfro-Myers, RN
Sutter Lakeside ICU - Lakeport, CA
Sorry for you loss
Wren Keller
Life Net 6 - Sierra Vista, Az
Please accept our condolences to the families and frriends for their tragic loss.
John F. Montalto, RN, Clinical Director
Flight For Life - Mother Frances Hospital - Tyler, TX
Art, you asked me once what I thought of the possibility of the craft going down and the crew dying. You were interviewing me. I replied, 'Well, shit happens'. I will never agin use that phrase. To the three of you, whomever your Gods and Higher Powers are, may your spirits go quickly and not linger. You have touched our lives in so many ways with your selflesness. Your work here is done. Go and rest. To all of the many folk at REACH, while we can not suffer your anguish, know we feel your love. Your ethics and patient care are the pinaccle of what we are here for. One another.
Jennifer Dawn Oswald, EMT-P
just me - Napa/Oakville, CA,USA
On behalf of the staff and crew at NorthSTAR our deepest sympathies go out to the famlies and coworkers of those lost.
Dan Smith CFN
NorthSTAR Air Medical Program - Newark, NJ
On behalf of the staff and crew here at Hospital Wing of Memphis, we extend to you our deepest sympathies. Please know that you and your families are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jan Weatherred, flight nurse
Hospital Wing of Memphis - Memphis, Tennessee
My prayers and deepest sympathy to all of those who knew and loved these three caring individuals. May you find comfort in your time of need.
Janet Harris, RN
LifeFlight - Pittsburgh, PA
Our greatest fear in this industry has struck our EMS family at REACH. As we continue to fly and do the lords will, let us not forget the ultimate sacrifice that this crew made. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very trying time. May God hold you in the palm of his hand,and comfort you.
David R. Hermanson III/ACS Communications Manager
Southwest Life Flight - Las Cruces, New Mexico
My heartfelt sympathies and prayers to the crews, family and friends of REACH. I am so sorry for your loss. May God give you the strength you need to get through this time in your lives.
Susan Toberman, RN
U.T. LIFESTAR - Knoxville , TN
My thoughts and prayers go out to those lost.
Tony Zoroya, Communications Specialst
STAT MedEvac - Pittsburgh, Pa
MY CONDOLENCES AND PRAYERS TO THE FAMILIES OF ART, KELLY AND DIANE.
ZAKK
- UNITED KINGDOM, LONDON
Sincerest condolences to the Reach program and to the families of those lost in this tragic accident. May you find comfort knowing that many are thinking of you and you are in their prayers
Steven Sittig RRT-NPS
AARC Air/ Grouund Transport Section Chair - ,
The triple tragedy this holiday season is very much palpable. The Sonoma County medical community lost so many special people this year. Perhaps we all can find comfort in our respect and admiration for one another.
Lawrence J. Williamson, M.D.
Family and Emergency Medicine - Windsor, CA
As I read through the condolences that many people have left for Art, Diane and Kelly I looked for some enlightenment in their words. I started to realize that maybe it is only through unfortunate situations that we realize the value of friendship, kindness and love. It is ironic that through unfortunate events, we attain a fortune in life. I started to think that maybe I take friendships for granted when things are going well. Maybe I should take time to self-reflect into my own life not only in bad times but in good times as well. Buddhism believe that we should live each day most beautifully and most meaningfully. Life is transitory; we should live each day the best we can. Then if anything happens there is no regret. Each day is complete in itself. Live everyday sincerely because each day is the last day. I believe Art, Diane and Kelly did live life in such of a way. The three of them spent a majority of their time not thinking of themselves, but thinking of others in their times of need. I have faith that Art, Diane and Kelly had no regrets in life. And from this I have a real appreciation for life thanks to them.
Loyd Helmick RN
REACH - ,
Our deepest condolences to the REACH family and families of the crew. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jan Nokes
Children's Memorial Transport Team - Chicago, illinois
The REACH family is in our thoughts and prayers. Your HEMS family is praying and thinking of all of you during this most difficult time.
God Bless
Joel Hochhalter
Program Director Lifeguard - Albuquerque, NM
These angels died as they lived--as true heroes. Many thoughts and prayers to the surviving family and friends...
Rodney Owen
St. Charles County, Missouri Fire/EMS Communications - Wentzville, MO
We your colleagues grieve your loss in the line of duty.
Shari Braun
CSMC - Los Angeles, CA
Our deepest condolences to the REACH family and family members of those lost,. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. God Bless.
Tulsa Life Flight Staff
Tulsa Life Flight - Tulsa, OK
My thoughts and prayers are with all those touched by this tragic event. God bless.
Wesley Copeland Sr., FP-C
Air-Evac Lifeteam 29 - Claremore, Oklahoma
My heart and prayers go out to friends and families of the lost crew members. My deepest condolences.
John Lohrfink, NREMT-P, CCEMTP, FP-C
- Medford, Oregon
There are no words to describe the sadness the EMS community feels at this devastating time. My deepest sympathies.
Karla Dillard, flight nurse
University of Iowa Air Care 1 - Iowa City, Iowa
Many years ago Art was my pilot, I trusted his skill and judgement, I would fly anywhere with Art. When Art left my company, I felt a loss, he was a great crewmate, always fun to work with, serious when he needed to be, and always in those darn flip flops (Hawaii never left him). Our paths still crossed now & then and I was always welcomed by that smile and his genuine friendship. Art was always in the stories "remember when Art took us to..." I'm sure there are many of you out there that will share similar stories and memories. Art's loss is now is eternal, but he will live on in my heart, my thoughts and my memories as a great pilot and a great guy...until we fly together again. Aloha!
Bob Griffith, Chief Flight Nurse
CALSTAR 6 - South Lake Tahoe, CA
A stunning loss for for the air medical community. Three incredible people of whom I have the highest respect for in each of there individual ways. All of whom were valuable to the medical field in a multitude of ways. Will be missed always. May God hold their families strong through this time.
Glenn Cochrane, RN, CFRN, NREMT-P, FP-C
- ,
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOUR SERVICE AND EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOUR CREWMEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILIES. EACH AND EVERY PILOT,MEDIC AND NURSE KNOWS FLYING IS A HUGE RISK,BUT WE ALL LOVE IT SO MUCH WE ARE WILLING TO TAKE THE RISK AND HELP OUR COMMUNITIES.OUR CONDOLENCES TO YOUR CREW MEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILIES.
SCOTTY JACKSON EMT-P/RN
AIR EVAC 25 - LAWTON, OKLAHOMA
Kelly, Diane and Art - WE LOVE YOU.
My Kell-Belle, I will miss giving you hugs and talking with you. You are one great person - so grateful for what you had, full of life and energy, tough and strong, experienced and gifted. Thank you for all you have done.
To Diane, I took your advice about how to love my baby, how to live. You were willing to take on challenges and set goals and accomplish them. You were always willing to lend a helping hand, stong and honest, fun and loving...always in our hearts.
To Art, I loved to call you Arthur for some reason, it always made you smile. I loved seeing you in your flip-flops and shorts cruising around the office on any day of the year. Your steady and genuine personality, your dedication to REACH will never be forgotten. You enjoyed life to the fullest.
I think of you and your families and close friends with each moment and will continue to talk about your incredible talents, personalities and love for life forever.
Love
Linda McDonald Ahmadi
REACH Air Medical Services - Santa Rosa, California
We are so deeply saddened to hear of your loss today. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. Our prayers and best wishes for the family members, friends and colleagues.
Tonight, a special Christmas night, you all are much in our thoughts and prayers.
Gustafson Family
- Windsor, Napa, Larkspur, CA
To the brothers and sisters at Reach. How well I know the grief you are feeling. It was a little over a year ago that we went through the same in Las Vegas. Hold each other tight and be there for one another and the families of the victims and know that across the contry you are in many thoughts and prayers.
Doug Koopman
Former Flight Medic, Mercy Air - Las Vegas, NV
I am so very sorry to hear of this tragedy. I so not wish to hear of these type of things. I am a firefighter myself and feel the loss with all of you.
Once again I am so very sorry....
Firefighter David Peters
New Melle Fire Protection District - New Melle , MO
I'm very sorry to hear of the loss of Art, Diane, and Kelly. My time at REACH I found all three to be outstanding individuals who will never be forgotten. Please accept my deepest sympathies to the families and crew members of REACH.
Robert Biederwolf BS, RRT, NPS
- Napa, Ca.
With deep sorrow, I send my condolences to the family, friends, and all the people that have been touched by their miraculous lives. I will pray for those lost souls that perform this heroic job.
David Hunn
Marin County Fire Dept - Ca,
To the families, friends, and all that knew those three great hero's. They not only were dedicated to their job, but to the people they saved. I have had the honor to work along side all of the three on many occasions. I would like to say thank you to them for their great service to us all throughout the years. you will be greatly missed by the world.
Justin Buckingham
CDF Fire Covelo station Mendocino unit - ,
Our prayers are with the family, friends and team members. Our thoughts will be with you as you go through this difficult time.
Todd Koch RN EMT-P
Canyon County Paramedics - Nampa, Idaho
To the family, friends and co-workers of Diane, Kelly and Art. We at Flight For Life extend our deepest condolances and will keep you in our prayers.
God Bless.
John Kleronomos
Flight For Life - McHenry, IL
Kelly, Diane and Art - WE LOVE YOU.
My Kell-Belle, I will miss giving you hugs and talking with you. You are one great person - so grateful for what you had, full of life and energy, tough and strong, experienced and gifted. Thank you for all you have done.
To Diane, I took your advice about how to love my baby, how to live. You were willing to take on challenges and set goals and accomplish them. You were always willing to lend a helping hand, stong and honest, fun and loving...always in our hearts.
To Art, I loved to call you Arthur for some reason, it always made you smile. I loved seeing you in your flip-flops and shorts cruising around the office on any day of the year. Your steady and genuine personality, your dedication to REACH will never be forgotten. You enjoyed life to the fullest.
I think of you and your families and close friends with each moment and will continue to talk about your incredible talents, personalities and love for life forever.
Love
Linda McDonald Ahmadi
REACH Air Medical Services - Santa Rosa, California
On behalf of the crew of ThedaStar Air Medical our sympathies go out to the families, friends and co-workers of those lost. You are all in our prayers.
Jeff Grimm
ThedaStar Air Medical - Neenah, WI
On behalf of the entire medical crew and administration of MedCenter Air, our thoughts, prayers and condolences go to the families and co-workers of the REACH crew. We go to work every day answering the highest of callings - serving our fellow man in their greatest hour of need. May God comfort and console the families and co-workers of the fallen crew. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dennis A. Taylor, RN, NREMT-P, Chief Flight Nurse
MedCenter Air / Carolinas Medical Center - Charlotte, NC
On behalf of the Flight Crew at Memorial Hermann Life Flight, we are deeply saddened by your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you grieve this tragedy during the holiday season.
Chivas Guillote, EMT-P, CCEMT-P
Flight Paramedic - Memorial Hermann Life Flight - Houston, Texas
I am so saddened by this tragedy.Art,Kelly,Diane went to work,to someone's aid.They went with the dedication of professionals.They also went with the joy of coming home to their loved ones.These same loved ones that accept this dangerous role.My family grieves for them all,and we thank you for understanding that this is who they are,what they do.To Tessa,God Bless you.To all families and employees of REACH,We love you and thank you...Peace
Bill Bland
LECS,Chaplain - Windsor,Ca,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lisa Scarberry RN, CEN, CMTE, Program Manager
HealthNet Aeromedical Services - Huntington, WV
I am deeply saddened to hear of your loss today. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. Tonight at our table, we will share and offer all of our Prayers and Best Wishes for their Family Members, Friends and Colleagues. We know that they have tasted the glory of flight and now we know that they soar high above the clouds with the wings of angels as they watch over us in our daily endeavors.
Dale Farr
CALSTAR 4, Corporate Safety Manager - Ukiah, California
Words cannot express the grief felt at the loss of Art Gotisar, a good friend, mentor, and excellent pilot. Art was well known for his excellent piloting skills and safe flying practices as well as his friendly and helpful nature. Art was living his dream as a helicopter pilot and helping people. We will miss you so much!
Our hearts and prayers go out to Reach and the families of Art, Kelly and Diane. We are grieving with you and praying for peace and understanding.
Airlift Construction Services - Long Beach,
I was so sorry to hear about the accident. You at REACH and their families are in my prayers.
Sharon Stapleton
Ex-REACH employee - Portland, Oregon
Whenever a member of the police, fire, or medical force has lost his or her life on duty, the effects ripple far and wide. Even though I didn't have the honor of knowing Art, Diane, or Kelly, I still feel a sense of togetherness. With that said, I would like to express my condolences to the entire REACH team, and to the families of those involved with the tragedy on December 23rd, 2003.
With my prayers and regards,
Laura Bartoni
AMR-Communications - Burlingame, Ca
With sincere sympathy to the REACH family in there loss of Art, Kelly and Diane. They were three of God's special people and will be missed. To there families (especially Jennie and the boys)my heart goes out to you all during this difficult time. I know they are up in heaven flying with angels That thought brings a smile to my lips but tears to my eyes and a very sad heart.They were blessed and they will be missed.
Missy Owen Smith RN,MICN ,EMT-P
NorthBay Medical Center - Fairfield, California
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of your lost crewmembers, and your wonderful company. May you and the entire family at Reach remain strong as you mourn the loss of your family.
Dan Brattain, President
Cal-Ore Life Flight - Crescent City, California
My heart and prayers go out to family, friend and crews God speed and God bless.
Kevin Locke EMT-P
Childrens Air @ Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta - Atlanta, Ga.
Words cannot express the sorrow and anguish shared by so many over this tragic event. I met Kelly in the ICU at Stanford when I was an aspiring flight nurse- she encouraged me and offerred her time and advice. She was inspriational in my pursuit of this wonderful career. I had my first flight off of orientation last night and my partner and I started it with a prayer for the three wonderful souls that were taken from us so suddenly.
The air up there in the clouds is very pure and fine, bracing and delicious. And why shouldn't it be? -- it is the same the angels breathe.
— Mark Twain, ‘Roughing It,’ Chapter XXII
Nicole Cromwell RN
Stanford Lifeflight - ,
When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.
Mario Palmieri, RN, CFRN
REACH 3 - ,
I understand your loss too well, my heart aches to take your pain away...
Lorie Hutchison
Life Flight - Salt Lake City, Utah
My thoughts and prayers are with each of you at REACH.
Jim Rodgers
Portneuf Life Flight - Pocatello, ID
Death is the ineluctable door at the edge of our universe. May these three noble crew members fly swiftly beyond.
Brendan Keenan-Flight Paramedic
North Flight EMS - Travers City, Michigan
Having been a nurse for 37 years in critical care, I have met this people and have admired them so much. They were brave and talented and admired..... and will be missed by me. God Speed......................
Sandi Brown
Kaiser Permanente - CA, Santa Rosa
My sincere condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of those who have given unconditionally their lives so that others might live. Ours is a unique lot and a loss for one is a truly loss for us all. I wish to echo what has already been written by those who came before me; I have shared the sky with Art in the very area where this disaster occurred. He truly was a professional and leader in the Air Medical Community. Together with his valiant crew he will never be forgotten because "There is no greater love than to give your life for another"
Rest In Peace My Friends
Jeffrey VanNESS, Pilot Safety Officer
Angel Flight - Beaumont, TX
My thoughts and prayers are with the the friends and loved ones of the lost crew.
Donna Cova, Flight Nurse
Calstar 6 - South Lake Tahoe, CA
Our hearts and prayers go out to the families of Diane, Kelly, and Art, and to the entire REACH family in your tragic loss.
First Flight - Melbourne, FL
There is no greater love than to give your life for another
-John 15:13
You are in my prayers
Missy Gann
First Flight - Melbourne, FL
Our thoughts and prayers to everyone in your program. Their sacrifice will not be forgtten.
Jack Richard, EMT-P
ARCH Air Medical Service, Inc. - St. Louis, MO
To the families of our lost, our hearts and
prayers are with you. God bless you and give you strength through this time.
Ray Eaton Paramedic Intern
St Johns Hospital - Springfield, Missouri
Doing the job you loved...My heart goes out to you and your families.
C. Phillip Hoag, EMT-P
AMR Sacramento Valley - Winters, CA
I am deeply saddened by this loss. Diane has been my friend since high school. I had the honor and pleasure of recently meeting Art and Kelly. My deepest sympathies to their families and the entire family of EMS.
Suzi Huntington, Police Officer
San Diego Police Department - San Diego, CA
Our prayers are with each of you
Roger Snyder
Father of Tim Snyder - Las Vegas, NV
Forever in our hearts and prayers......
John Eric Henry
American Medical Response - San Leandro, California
Our sorrow goes out to all the REACH team members.
Michael Riffle, RN
LifeStar 2 - Killeen, TX
May our thoughts and prayers be with your program during this time of need.
Paul Davenport, Program Director
LifeGuard 10 - Roanoke, VA
To the family, friends and co-workers at REACH, may God be with each and every one of you in your recent loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Doug Douglas, Flight Nurse
HealthNet Aeromedical Services - Charleston, WV
Our condolences go out to the friends and family of the crew involved.
Crew of Medic 104 and Medic 114, Lodi
Priority One Medical Transport - Lodi, California
Kelly, Diane, and Art. Thanks for the wonderful dinners, treats, stories and family. Our hearts, prayers and tears embrace your families during this difficult time. Blessings over the Reach family. You will all be greatly missed but never forgotten.
Suzie Smith, Flight Nurse
AirMedTeam - Redding, California
My sincere condolence to the families and co-workers of the crew mwmbers lost Dec. 23. I feel honored to have worked alongside REACH crewmembers on several patient transports off of Mt. Diablo and in the EBRPD areas. I admire the courage and professionalism of the REACH Team.
Captain Craig Schmitt
San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District - San Ramon, CA
May God bless and rest your souls. What a tragic day for our colleagues at REACH.
Tom Zoltanski, Flight Nurse
CALSTAR 5, Salinas - Salinas, CA
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time
Dave Stahlman
St. Johns Life Line - Springfield, MO
Art, Kelly and Debbie,
We will miss you all terribly both as friends and as professionals.
To your families we are so so sorry.
To the REACH family our most sincere condolences.
Doug Evans
Stanford Life Flight - ,
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Reach Family and to the Families of those who have been lost.
John Lords /Helicopter Pilot
Life Flight - Salt Lake City, Utah
Our sincerest sympathy to Art, Diane and Kelly, their families, friends and the whole REACH organization. God bless you for giving unconditionally to those in need.
Jim Boggeri and Jamie Byrnes
A-shift, Marin County Fire Dept - Throckmorton Ridge Station, CA
We share your grief and devastation with the loss of your fallen crew....
There are no words that can give comfort to you brave nurses, medics and pilots that risk so much for so many today. We experienced the exact devastation just over a year ago when 3 of our own perished.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your fallen comrades now....
Bill Stuehler- flight nurse
Mercy Air- California - Rancho Cucamonga, California,
The entire staff of the Coastal Valleys EMS Agency would like to express their heart felt sympathy to REACH. We share the sadness and shock of your loss. Everyone should know that REACH has been an exemplary provider of air medical services in our region and beyond for many years. Your crews are the very best in the business. We will be there to support you during your recovery.
Bruce H. Lee
Coastal Valleys EMS Agency (County of Sonoma) - Santa Rosa, CA
Kelly, Art, and Diane you were my co-workers, my friends, my mentors and my family. I remember when each of you came into the company and I will never forget when each of you left the company. All three of you touched my life in your own special way. I will miss you all. You will be in my heart forever and I will fly more confident knowing you are all watching over me and my REACH family. I grieve with our co-workers and your families for our losses.
John Baker, RN, EMT-P
REACH Air Medical Services - Santa Rosa, CA
I would like to first express my admiration for the flight crews at REACH. The crewmembers I know personally are driven professionals with safety always at the forefront. My thoughts and prayers are with all of the crewmembers at REACH and the family members of those lost in this tragedy. May peace keep your minds at rest.
Eric Lewis
CALSTAR 1 - Concord, CA
My deepest sympothy to the families and the Reach program.
Jeremy Craft PM
Life Flight - Salt Lake City, UT
As a 911 dispatcher for the last 20 years, I've utilized REACH more times than I can remember. My heartfelt condolences to everyone involved.
Supervising Dispatcher Mary Camacho
San Ramon Valley Fire - San Ramon, California
Please accept our condolences for the loss of your crew. The firefighters and community members I've talked with were shocked that this happened and deeply upset. You guys mean alot to us out here.
When you fly over we know that you and your support staff bring a gift with you. The gift of life.
Alan Dewart
Cazadero Volunteer Fire Dept. - ,
Our deepest sympathy to the REACH family and the families of those lost. From a department who has seen it's share of tragedy this year, we truly feel your loss. We all support you during this hard time and are grieving along side you.
The Novato Fire Family
Novato Fire Protection District - Novato, CA
I was very saddened today to hear of the loss to the REACH family. My deepest sympathies to the Reach family and the families of the crew.
Kevin Robert, NREMT-P
LifeNet of New York/Albany MedFLIGHT - Albany, New York
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the bereaved. This is a sad day for all who are involved in the air medical profession. A prayer and thought will be said for you at our table.
craig webb
albany med flight - albany , ny
My deepest condolences to all at REACH during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers to all family, co-workers and friends. There are three more stars in the sky tonight.
Mike Buehrer, REMT-P
LifeNet 1-1 - Omaha, Ne
Even though we have never met, our bond is sealed by the deternination, dedication and good deeds by which we have lived by. Angels in flight, saviors of the sky, rescuers of the night. We are all touched, saddened, have a loss of words but mostly; we cannot understand why. To all of their families, co-workers and loved ones, but mostly to those of us that must stay behind and hold our heads up high, we wish you God's speed. In our thoughts, prayers and memories; Always!
Ed Rodriguez, Flight Nurse
Medi-Flight of Northern California - Modesto, California
To the entire REACH family; my deepest sympathy during this hard time. Having shared the skies around Sonoma County with REACH 1, this tragedy hits close to home. My most hearfelt condolences go out to all of you and the families of those lost.
Scott Freedman, Paramedic
Sonoma County Sheriff's Helicopter "Henry 1" - Sonoma County, CA
I just wanted to send you my deepest condolences. I have a lot of friends/colleagues in the air medical field. My thoughts go out to all of you.
Justin S. Pruitt NREMT-P/FTO
San Marcos/Hays Co. EMS - San Marcos, TX
My sympathies...
Rob Atwater
DHART - Lebanon, NH
I've sat in front of this screen for the past 1/2 hour and I'm still at a loss for words. It's a strange feeling to have tears well up in my eyes for people I've never even met, but I know that I have lost part of my family. My thoughts are with them and their loved ones on this Christmas day.
Sean Jackson
Mercy Air base 3 - Banning, California
It is with a heavy heart I send to all of you my deepest sympathy. To the crews resting in the arms of the angels, we find great pride in knowing you were there for those in need. May G-d comfort the families and friends of those lost. Much love, and prayers.
Dawn M Macey, RN
Mercy Air 4 - Anaheim, CA
Our hearts and prayers go out to the extended family of REACH during this difficult time.
Sean McCarty
Native Air - Phoenix, AZ
It is a tragic time when our brothers and sisters in the air medical community fall. They lived and died doing what they loved, risking their lives for others. Our prayers are with you during this time of loss.
John Gaither CRNA
SKYMED 1 - Madisonville, KY
Greater Love Hath No Man That He Would Lay Down His Life For Another....God Bless these heroes and their families. Everyday the risks are present, Everyday these individuals touched and saved lives. They are the reflection of Human Compassion and Love of Mankind.
Kelly Cox RN, CFRN,
Air 1 - Tyler, TX
My thoughts and prayers are with you. May God be with the families, colleagues, and friends of this fine crew during this very difficult time.
Vito Lanzillo Jr. NREMT-P
STAT MedEvac 13 - York, PA
Our deepest sympathies to the entire REACH family. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Daniel Tillett Flight Nurse
Rescue Air 1 - Atlanta, Ga
My Thoughts and prayers, go out to the Family, friends, and co-workers of the Reach family as they go through this extremely sad time. It is at this time that you are not alone.
Bob Johnson LPN CCEMTP FP-C
LifeFlight of Maine - Lewiston, Me
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, to the children of the fallen your mommy"s and daddy"s were very brave and courageous, and we will never forget them.
Don Crews NREMT-P
Native Air - Buckeye, Arizona
Deepest condolences to all at REACH during this difficult time.
Jonathan Dye
EagleMed 4 - Dodge City, Kansas
What another loss to the Air Medical Industry. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the REACH family, as well as the family and friends of our lost brothers and sisters. May God bless you each and everyone.
Keith Hood, NREMTP, Flight Paramedic
Children's Air 1 - Children's Healthcare of Atlanta - Atlanta, Ga
When someone asked how many of the crew died, I thought of NY Mayor Giuliani's answer to a similar question on 9/11: "More than we can bear". God Bless this crew.
Marc Richards EMTP
AMR Alameda - ,
We send our thoughts and prayers with the flight crews and families.
Never forget the bravest -
Kaito
University Hospitals MedEvac - Cleveland, Ohio
Our sympathy goes to family and friends of those who died helping others; and, to the community over such a terrible loss. To our colleagues at REACH and the entire EMS/health care community, may you find comfort in each other.
Eddie Messer
Air Evac Lifeteam 4 - Springdale, AR
Our sincerest sympathy goes out to your flight family and the families of the crew. Our prayers are with you in this time of saddness.
The Staff of Airlife One
Airlife @ Carle Foundation Hospital - Champaign, IL
Deepest sympathy
Mike Pierce
CAM - Kerrville, TX
May God be with the families, colleagues, and friends of these hero's during this very difficult time.
Robert Youther, NREMT-P
HealthNet Aeromedical Services - Charleston, WV
When I saw the blacked out background on the Flightweb website today, I knew something bad had happened, and when I read about the loss of the crew, I got this gnawing feeling in the pit of my stomach, knowing that 3 good people had died trying to save the life of a complete stranger. Everyone at REACH must be feeling really awful, and given this happened on Christmas eve makes a tragedy like this all the more painful. There is nothing that I can say that will bring your friends back, and I feel extremely saddened by their deaths. But please remember that there are many others accross the country, and around the world, who do share your grief. I'm certain Art, Kelly and Diane loved what they did for a living, and despite the inherent danger that can accompany flight nursing/ems, I'm sure it never dulled their enthusiam or their ability.
Please pass on to their families my sympathy and deep sadness for their loss.
Pete Deer
- Charlottesville, Virginia
Our greatest fear in this industry has struck our EMS family at REACH. As we continue to fly and do the lords will, let us not forget the ultimate sacrifice that this crew made. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very trying time. God Bless. "SKY MED 2"
Aaron Kreag,NR/CCEMT-P,FP-C
SKYMED /PHI Air Medical Texas - McKinney, Texas
My deepest sympathy goes out to your families and your friends. You have made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of others.
Ryan Maloney
Lifeguard 1 - Albuquerque, NM
We extend our deepest sympathies to all members of REACH, and pray that God grants the grace and strenghth needed for the survivors of Art, Kelly and Dianne.
Carmen Trunk
Lee County EMS Aviation - Fort Myers, Florida
Our thoughts are with your program, the families and friends of those lost in this terrible incident. We climb on board every day doing what we all love in this field, and no doubt so did they. Please accept our most heartfelt condolences.
Todd Woods, CCEMT-P
EagleMed-12 - Joplin, MO
My deepest sympathy to the families and to the REACH family. This is the time of year to cellibrate life and happiness and it saddens me greatly to see of your loss. May God be with you all at your time of sorrow and grief.
Ron Bishop Flight Paramedic
Air Angels - South Bend, Indiana
"But Sarah, my dear, dear Sarah, if the dead can come back to this earth and flit unseen around those that they love, I shall always be with you in the brightest day and the darkest night. Always, always. And when the soft breeze fans your cheek, it shall be my breath, or the cool air your throbbing temple, it shall be my spirit passing by." (Captain Sullivan Ballou of the Union Army, in a letter written to his wife Sarah one week before the First Battle of Bull Run. He was killed in that battle.)
My most sincere sympathies are extended to my colleagues who suffer this terrible loss.
Jeff Brosius
- Denver, CO
My prayers and thoughts are with the families, crewmembers and everyone involved in your organization.
God Bless.....
Chuck Yelich
Communications Specialist - STATMedEvac - Pittsburgh, PA
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the members of the Reach family and especially to the families of those who have been lost. May God be with all of you as you begin your healing process.
Flight Lt. Paul Passaretti
Medflight One, Collier County EMS - Naples , Fl
May God grant you peace and support during your time of grief. Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire REACH team, as well as with the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Michael Hite
MedSTAR MedEvac - , Washington D.C.
Our thoughts and prayers are with staff and families of those lost during this very difficulty time. God speed.
Becky Pusateri, RN, BSN
AeroCare - Sugar Grove, IL,
My prayers and thoughts go out to all of the REACH family.I pray that GOD will see all of you through this time of great loss and sorrow.Take great pride and comfort in the good that you do each day, and love one another,GOD BLESS.
Brenda L Stancil
Eastcare - North Carolina, Greenville
On behalf of Pegasus Flight Operations, we extend our sincere condolences to the colleagues, friends, and families of the REACH crew members.
Roy Tomlin
Pegasus Flight Operations - Charlottesville, VA
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire REACH Team and the families of the crew during this difficult time.
B. Warren, RN
Driscoll Children's Hospital Pedi Transport Team - Corpus Christi, Texas
Employees and associates of REACH;
The employees of REDCOM wish to express our deepest condolences to you during this time of tragedy. Working so closely with your staff makes this especially painful for us here as well. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Ron Marsh
REDCOM Dispatch - California, Santa Rosa
My heartfelt condolences to the REACH family and to the families of Art, Diane and Kelly. It is my hope that the paryers and love of those close to you all will sustain you through this tragic time. We all feel the loss of Art, Diane and Kelly.
Linda Watson
Redbud Community Hospital - Clearlake, CA
Whenever we loose anyone in the EMS community it is a great loss to us all. Our thoughts and prayers go to the families of those lost in yesterday's crash. They were true heros and will be missed.
9-1-1 Communications Dispatchers
Yolo County Communications - Woodland, CA
With deepest sympathy , Our hearts go out to the family and friends of these fallen angels. God Bless.
Arizona Life Line - Tucson, AZ
Our deepest sympathies go out to the REACH crew, families and friends of those who were lost. You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May God comfort you and sustain you.
Bruce Blankers EMT-P & Sheryl Blankers RN
Medi-Flight of Northern California/Stanford Life Flight - Salida, CA
We at children's hospital oakland picu are extremely saddened at what has happened to Diane, Kelly and Art. I personally go and meet the helicopter when there are transports and I knew these people very well. They were wonderful, intelligent, bright hearted dedicated people who operated at the height of professionalism and compassion. I will miss getting them snacks and talking to them. Diane liked famous amos cookies but would hold out for the ice cream in the cafeteria if she could. She rarely carried cash, so Art would give her money to get ice cream. Art would keep me company while she and her partner would get treats. Diane always liked to get the soft served ice cream. She enjoyed the thin mint one best. She also liked the cookies and cream too but not as much. She was so happy when the thin mint was there. She would eat it up and cherish every bite. She would offer me some, too, but I never had the heart to take any because she loved it so much. She was so nice and calm and I liked her so much. She cared so much for our children. She would ask about the ones previously transported and she remembered personal details about them so that you knew that her interest in their well-being was more than professional. I will miss her so much. She was so beautiful, too. She had such a warm smile and demeanor. I will miss her so much! Art was a really nice guy too. He liked to tell stories about his crew and what ever fun was going on. He really enjoyed his job: always smiling and engaging. He remembered the security guards and would chat them up. He knew some of them better than I did. You could tell he made the effort to know people and cared enough to remember their stories too. I was looking forward to seeing them again so I could tell them that one of the sickest, most septic kids that they brought in while I was present is now walking again and is making a near-full recovery. For at least a month, we did not think he was going to make it -she would ask and I would give her a look like 'he's still bad' and now I would like to tell her that he's doing better and his parents are SO Grateful to Reach and for their care. His mom would get so emotional everytime she heard the helicopter she would break down and hide just remembering the state he was in when he was transported. Gradually, over several months, she was able to stand there under the magnolia tree and watch the heli's come in and take off with having a break down. She told me time and time again how grateful she was for the crew who brought him in and that she says prayers for them. I do not have the heart to tell her that they perished as that would break her heart, but I will tell her that they know now how much they are appreciated. I am very sad that I will not be able to work with them anymore. I can still picture them in my head and it makes me very sad that they are dead. I feel very bad for their families. They were such wonderful people. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to have worked with them and to have gotten to know them. I know that they are in heaven for sure and that they miss us too. I extend deepest condolences to their families and friends as this is a big loss for everyone they knew and loved. I am very sad about it and I feel that there is no good way to end this letter so I will say a prayer now and hold tight to my good memories of them.
janna, picu ccst
children's hospital oakland - Oakland, CA
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Kim James, RN
Flight For Life - Denver, CO
Our Medic Air family extends our deepest sympathy to you, the families and coworkers at Reach. We send our thoughts and prayers.
Laverne Lawson RN
Medic Air - Reno, NV
As thoughts of our Heroes and thier devestated families have kept me awake this Christmas eve....
We Remember Them
At the rising of the sun and at its going down,
We remember them
At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of Winter,
We remember them.
At the opening of buds and in the rebirth of Spring,
We remember them.
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of Summer,
We remember them.
At the rustling of leaves and the beauty of Autumn,
We remember them.
At the beginning of the year and when it ends,
We remember them.
As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.
When we are weary and in need of strength,
We remember them.
When we are lost and sick at heart,
We remember them.
When we have joys we yearn to share,
We remember them.
When we have decisions that are difficult to make,
We remember them
When we have achievements that are based on theirs,
We remember them.
As long as we live, they too shall live,
for they are a part of us, as we remember them.
From the Gates of Repentance
New Union Prayer Book for the Days of Awe
Author Unknown
Kevin Hines RN, Flight Nurse
Calstar IV / Lead RN, Novato Community Hospital ED - Novato, Ca
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at Reach and the friends and families of the flight crew.
Caroline Jack
Mercy Air 5 - Carlsbad, CA
Our thoughts and prayers are with the REACH families in their time of sorrow.
Don Stivers, RN, EMT-P
HealthNet Aeromedical Service - Charleston, West Virginia
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire REACH family. Words can not express the pain and sorrow we all are feeling over this tragedy. The entire EMS family feels the sadness at the loss of three of our best and brightest crew members. God bless you all.
C. Konicki RN, CFRN
- San Jose, California
To my friends and colleagues at REACH, my heart goes out to all of you and to the families of those lost. May the loving spirit of this season bring you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Christa Thomas, RN
UCSF Pedi/Neo Transport Team - ,
Please know that in this time sadness. My thoughts and prayers are extended to all involved.
David H. Webb
STAT MedEvac - Pittsburgh, PA
Our prayers are with you all
Fred Taleghani, RNTS
Packard Childrens CCT - Palo Alto, CA,
Our thoughts and prayers to all at REACH
Brian Fladhammer, EMT-P
Mercy Air14 - Mojave, CA
Out thoughts and prayers are with the families at this time . Such a tragic loss,they will be missed but not forgotten.
J Michael Marquis NREMT-P
Air Evac 27 - Springfield, IL
On behalf of the staff at Mercy Flight Central we extend our deepest sympathy to the REACH staff, friends and family members. May each of you find comfort in the days and weeks ahead. May your fond memories of Kelly, Diane and Art give you the strength to go forward. May God give you strength on this Christmas Day knowing that we have three angels watching over us as we continue our mission. We will remember each of you in our thoughts and prayers.
William Stubba, RN, CFRN, EMT-P
Mercy Flight Central, Inc. - Canandaigua, New York
From all the personnel at EastCare, we send our sympathy to the friends and family of all involved. May God be with you in your time of need.
Derek Black, Communications Center
EastCare Critical Care Transport - Greenville, NC
Words cannot express my sorrow. Art, Diane and Kelly will be dearly missed by all of us. My thoughts and prayers go out to their families and the REACH family. God Bless.
Scott R
CALSTAR - ,
As we heard of the accident unfolding we hoped and prayed that God would watch over the flight team. When we learned of the tragedy we prayed that the families and co-workers would have the strength to carry on. Please accept our prayers and condolences as you fly over us each and every day.
Laura Ballard Duner
AMR-Bay Area Communications Center - Burlingame, CA
On behalf of LifeNet Kentucky, we are very sorry to here about the accident. Peace to those on board and to the families.
Tim Smith, Program Director
LifeNet Kentucky - Lexington, KY
My thoughts and prayers are with the families of crew who died last night. They will not be forgotten in the hearts of those who worked with them. I did not know the crew personally, but I know they will be greatly missed.
Kay Gordon, RN
Doctors Medical Center - Modesto, Ca.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of these three brave souls. Also please know that all your fellow airmedical brothers and sisters are thinking of the REACH family at this tragic and sad time. May God shine upon you all...
Howard Polden RN, CFRN
New Mexico Life Rescue - Santa Fe, New Mexico
My deepest sympathy to the REACH team, family, and friends during this time of such great loss. May you all find peace in God and joy in all of the memories of your crew. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
David J. Bowman
Huntsville MedFlight/ LifeNet - Huntsville, Alabama
Whenever I have had the pleasure of meeting REACH staff in the past at various western FBO's and hospitals, I was always impressed with their professionalism and friendlyness. You will be missed, and God bless those who remain. Our thoughts are with you.
Duane Dockter, RN
former flight RN, Elko, NV - San Antonio, TX
Though I did not know these persons individually, I feel a deep compassion and sympathy for them and their families in this time of sorrow. I am an EMT-1D with AMR in Sacramento County. I can only wonder if I ever had the priviledge of meeting them during a routine transfer or during a critical incident. Please know that you will all be missed and for the families of these brave souls..... they will always hold a special place in all of our hearts. We will try to honor them in all that we do.
Eric G. Piotrowski
American Medical Response - Sacramento, CA
I was deeply saddened to hear of this sad loss yesterday. I was rescued by REACH June 23 2002, and I will always be in their debt. My thoughts are with the family and those who were lost, words cannot express my gratitude and feelings of loss over these brave angels.
Chaan Beard
Chiron Corp - Emeryville, California
Our prayers are for peace and understanding. During this time of sadness and confusion when we feel as if we have lost our best friend, take comfort in knowing there is no more sickness, no more sadness and no more pain for the three crewmembers who paid the ultimate price for human compassion.
Donnie Beeson, BSN, LP
CareFlite - Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas
My thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the crew and to the entire REACH family at this tragic time.
Jim Hilty
- San Ramon, CA
To the REACH family and the families and friends of those lost... Please accept our deepest sympathy for your loss.
We join you in honoring their memory.
Don Hadland, Flight Nurse
SAR/Aviation Unit, Ventura County SO - Ventura, CA
To the Three angels who lost their lives while serving others, and thier families left without them. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. May God grant you peace and strength. Many of us wear the uniform, but few of us are willing to truly risk everything to help others. We salute these 3 heros. May their souls continue to fly.
Richard Hodge, Paramedic, and the crew of medic 79
AMR, Contra Costa - Oakley, CA
Art, Kelly, and Diane - you will be missed and it will be hard for all to continue without you. You will remain in the hearts and daily lives of all those you have touched, and there are many! Our prayers go out to the REACH crew and the friends and families mourning this incredible loss. The REACH crew came to assist in covering our area of northern California after our crash 9-22-01 and we were grateful for the support and care they lent our program at a devastating time. I hope we can provide the same...as your friends and colleagues we are with you!
Stacie Reed, RN
Enloe Flight Care - Chico, CA
In November I have the priviledge of traveling to California to participate in the REACH assessment process. During that time I learned that the pilots and crew of this program take tremendous pride in what they do and who they do it for. Each and every one of these people love what they do. They strive for nothing shy of excellence. My condolences to their families and friends.
Joseph Gucwa RN
TriHealth Mobile Intensive Care Unit - Cincinnati, Ohio
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time.
Ron Jenkins and family
AMR Dispatcher,Contra Costa County - Burlingame, California
It is difficult at this time of sorrow to find a reason for your loss although I'm sure there are many times we will ask "why" I hope it brings the families and loved ones of these three people solace to know they were doing something they loved to do. you will all be truly missed and in time we will remember the happy smiles and the saddness will fade away. I am so sorry for your loss.
maria romero
previous Calstar flight nurse - Davis, CA
I did not know Art or Diane, but I have known Kelly for thirteen years. I have never added a comment to the condolence book, and I'm not quite sure what to say. I just want everyone who reads this to know what a strong and devoted friend she was. She made me feel strong when my marriage crumbled and I felt I had no one. She was there for me during a horrible time in my life, and I will never forget that. She was a beautiful person. I know that she died doing something that she felt passion for, and for that I am thankful.
Veronica Sherwood, RN
- Santa Cruz, Ca
For God has made these individuals to server and save the people of Ukiah area, now he calls these angels to help him protect the people of him. May God easy the suffering and loneliness of their families, may he guide the hands and the minds of the angels in the skies. God bless the REACH team and their families.
Eric Whiting NREMT-P Flight Paramedic
AeroCare - Lubbock, TX
Ther are not the words to say what we feel, when I heard bells today I knew that three new angels had gotten their wings.
Sarah Kevin R.N.
- Stanford, CA
For God has made these individuals to server and save the people of Ukiah area, now he calls these angels to help him protect the people of him. May God easy the suffering and loneliness of their families, may he guide the hands and the minds of the angels in the skies. God bless the REACH team and their families.
Eric Whiting NREMT-P Flight Paramedic
AeroCare - Lubbock, TX
My Prayers go out to the families of Art,Kelley and Diane ,also the entire staff of Reach. God bless in this time of tragity.
You will all be missed.
Brian Grayson
Calstar 1 - Concord, Ca.
Our deepest condolences, in your time of great loss!
John Greene & Family
AMR Alameda County - San Lorenzo, CA
Only God knows why, where, what, when, and how. Speculation is not for us, for we are merely mortals. I know Art, Kelly, and Diane. I have worked next to them on MCI's, met with them, talked with them, even flew with Art. Moreover, I spoke with them mere minutes before this tragic incident. I invited them for a warm cup of coffee and had the opportunity to wish them safety and a Merry Christmas and the wish was returned. Great people, skilled, kind, and caring working on the mission that we are all a part of. May God rest their souls and comfort the families during this time of unimaginable pain during a Christmas season. Please know that we are all a part of one big team, under God, striving to help others and give of ourselves. Unfortunately, sometimes we give the ultimate gift. My heart, prayers, tears, and all the like are extended to you. If there is anything at all I can do for any of you, family and co-workers, just say the word. Until then, the rest of us around the world will continue to carry on the mission with them looking over us...
Rob LaCount, Flight Nurse
CALSTAR IV - Ukiah, CA
My God be with the REACH program and the families involved. You will be in our prayers.
Robbie Tester, BS, NREMT-P
LIFE FORCE - Chattanooga , Tennessee
May God bless and Keep the Familes and fellow employees of the REACH crew. I will keep all of you in my prayers.
Jay Passmore RN, EMT-P
Air Evac Lifeteam, AE-33 - Middlesboro, KY
I want to express my condolences and profound sympathy to the families of Art, Kathy and Diane, and everyone at REACH. I am deeply saddened by this tragic loss. I knew Kathy from Stanford and she was a dynamic and wonderful nurse. I did not know Art or Diane, but I have often heard Art mentioned here at CALSTAR 2. He was well liked. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Oliver Rae, Flight Nurse
CALSTAR 2 - Gilroy, CA
For those that are gone, a speedy trip to heaven. For those left behind, our sympathy and our prayers. Carry their memories with reverence and respect. What they risked, and ultimately gave, was not for themselves, but for their fellow man.
James Phipps, NREMT-P, CCEMT-P
Aero-Medical Management and Instruction - Pasadena , Maryland
My thoughts and prayers are with the REACH family and the families of the crew members during this holiday season. Three more stars have been added to our skies. They join others who gave their lives so that others may live.
Scott H. Martin
Cedar Hill PD - Texas, Cedar Hill
Such a tragic loss, of three experienced and caring crew members. My thoughts and prayers are with their families and the entire REACH family. Wishing peace and healing, at this most difficult time.
Scott Weyland, RN
CALSTAR 2 - Gilroy, CA
You will all be missed !!!
I was your dispatcher at one time and worked with you all and am very sad. May GOD be with you all. Fly on!!!
Anonymous
HSI/REACH - Santa Rosa, CA
I was lucky to have the opportunity to work with Diane for a few months in the ER. She was my clinical preceptor while I was in Paramedic school 4 years ago. What struck me about Diane was her incredible bedside manner and her way of connecting with a patient on a personal level. She was an outstanding clinician and I consider her one of the best teachers I have ever had. I will carry the lessons she has taught me forever. The Northern California EMS community has truly lost a talented and dedicated crew. My heart goes out to the family and coworkers of these fine people. (And Diane if you can see this, I still can't draw blood samples with vacutainers!)
Paul Ricci
Firefighter/Paramedic Santa Rosa Fire Dept - Santa Rosa, CA
Please accept my deepest sympathy and condolences for your tragic loss. My prayers go out to the families of the crew and REACH. Be strong...
Michael R. Mims
Lifestar 1 - Winnfield, Louisiana
Art, you were a legend even many years ago when I first began to fly. Respected by your peers, trusted by those who shared your hours in the air.... you will be the angel on our shoulders and your name a whisper on our lips as those who know you best tell the tales.... spread your wings and soar higher than the eagles.
Joanne Patterson
CALSTAR 4 - Ukiah, CA
My condolences to the families of Art, Kelly And Diane. I've never met them but I know the type of people they were and I understand what you are feeling right now having lost my love and friend Sep 7, 02 when Mercy Air 21 crashed. My prayers are with the families, co-workers and dispatchers of Reach.
Tony Renner (Pilot)
Tri-State CareFlight - Bullhead City, AZ
Such a Heavy Heavy Loss to our Industry. May God be with the families and freinds of Art, Kelly and Diane. On behalf of AirEvac Services Communications Center our sincere condolences and sympathies to the REACH program and our thoughts and prayers are with the crew members who were lost in this tragic accident.
Gil Fifield
Air Evac Services Inc. - Phoenix, Az
Please accept our deepest sympathy for your loss.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family's of REACH during this difficult time.
REACH has always been our angels in the skies in times of need.
MEDICS AT THE MOVIES PRODUCTION MEDICS EMS - CONCORD, CA
Art Gotisar inherited the dream of flight from his father Ted. After college he became a naval aviator earning his wings in Pensacola. He flew Air/Sea rescue for the U. S. Coast Guard for many years as well commercial jobs in telelvision and the movies. He was a skilled and professional flightmed pilot and will be sorely missed by his family and friends. Art packed a lot of living in his short life and was always a bit bigger than life especially to his niece and nephews. He got to to what most of us can only dream of doing and He made a real contribution to society and his fellow man. His sister and I would like to thank eveyone for their thoughts at this difficult time. If you have a chance to raise a glass in Art's memory in the next few days remember him as a pilot who had the "right stuff"
Barbara Ferguson and Family
- Sisters, Oregon
The thoughts and prayers of all of us at Kentucky LifeNet 1 are with each of you!
Marc Manley
Kentucky LifeNet - London, KY
My heart goes out to the families affected by this tragedy. Those who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty will forever be in our prayers and thoughts.
Michael Rebello
CALSTAR 70 - Lincoln, CA
Art, Kelly and Diane, you 3 will be missed and never forgotten! I will cherish our friendship forever. I'm deeply sorry that your time here was short. I know that I will have 3 more Angels on my shoulder. Thank you for inspiring me and I will try to carry on in your footsteps. I will make you proud and will always cherish our time together.
John Blanchard & Family
REACH Flight Nurse - Santa Rosa , CA
Such a Heavy Heavy loss to our Industry, May God be with the families and freinds of Art, Kelly and Diane. On behalf of AirMed Teams Communications Center our sincere condolences & sympathies to the REACH program and our thoughts and prayers are with the crew members who were lost in this tragic accident
Gil Fifield
AirMed Team Communicaions Center-Doctors Medical Center - Modesto, Ca.
Our prayers go out to all the REACH transport staff and the families of those affected. We are so sorry to hear of your loss, may God be with you and your families in this time of need.
Brian G. Cornelius NR/CCEMT-P FP-C
Sky Med III - Houston, Texas
There are no words that can adequately express the sadness we are all feeling here in Sonoma County. Our EMS system lost 3 talented and caring people in the blink of an eye. My heart aches for the families of Art, Kelly and Diane and for the REACH family that now must pick-up and go on. Please know that the rest of us within Sonoma County EMS feel your grief and are there to support you through this. You are all in my prayers. May God's loving heart lighten your load one day and one prayer at a time.
Brad Silvestro, Paramedic
AMR/Sonoma Life SUpport - Santa Rosa, CA
There are no words that can adequately express the sadness we are all feeling here in Sonoma County. Our EMS system lost 3 talented and caring people in the blink of an eye. My heart aches for the families of Art, Kelly and Diane and for the REACH family that now must pick-up and go on. Please know that the rest of us within Sonoma County EMS feel your grief and are there to support you through this. You are all in my prayers. May God's loving heart lighten your load one day and one prayer at a time.
Brad Silvestro, Paramedic
AMR/Sonoma Life SUpport - Santa Rosa, CA
My/our hearts are truly saddened to learn of the loss of the REACH flight crew. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with the team and your families during times of sorrow.
Stiles Clarke
Huntsville Medflight / LifeNet - Huntsville, Alabama
Words are so inanadequate to express my profound sympathy for this devastating loss to the REACH family on what should be a joyous time of year. After getting to know and fly with Art during the Olympics, I know the caliber of man that you lost. My heart goes out to you. Hang tight.
Carol Rhoades
Life Flight - Salt Lake City, UT
I/we share our condolences with REACH and the families of each crew member. The sense of loss was felt throughout our hospital last night and continues because our daily contact with REACH gives us a great sense of loss, as it touches each one of us. We thank you for your committment to the welfare of us, our families and our patients.
Nick Nudell, CCEMTP, NREMTP, ER Tech
John Muir Medical Center - Walnut Creek, CA
I want to share my extreme sadness for the loss of such incredible people. I had the pleasure of knowning Kelly since or Dominican days in Santa Cruz and Art at our Auburn base. My thoughts and prayers are with their family, friends and loved ones.
Tim Rohan
CALSTAR - Ukiah,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the REACH family in this sad time.
Jerry Boyd NREMTP
AeroCare MTi, EastCare & HELMINRON 14 - Window Rock, AZ
God Bless the victums and the Reach program. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.
Gary Kane
- Albuquerque, NM
The staff at Redbud Emergency Room express our sincere condolences to all our friends
at REACH, especially the families of Art, Kelly and Diane.
We want you to know that we are available at any time for help, support, or a friend to talk to.
ER Physicians And Staff
Adventist Health Redbud Hospital - Clearlake, CA
Please accept my condolences for your tragic loss. My thoughts and prayers are with families of the crew members involved.
Rod Wayne RN, Flight Nurse
University of Utah Medical Center, AirMed - Salt Lake City, Utah
Our deepest sympathies are extended to the REACH family and to the family and friends of these brave and selfless professionals. All of us who do transport medicine mourn with you today.
Steven Martel, MD
UCSF Children's Hospital Pediatric/Neonatal Transport Program - San Francisco, CA
Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with the family members, friends, and the crews of REACH during this difficult time.
Dana Preston
CALSTAR - California,
My deepest sympathies to all the REACH crew and families at the sorrowful time. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Judi Wilson, RN
- Stanford, CA
Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Ray Huntzinger, Flight Paramedic
Airmed-University of Utah - Salt Lake City, UT
Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. AirMed had a similiar incident 5 years ago, so we understand your sorrow. If there is anything we can do, please let us know.
Judy Ownby RN, Flight Nurse
University of Utah Medical Center, AirMed - Salt Lake City, Utah
The sorrow and sadness for those lost and their familys. If it were not for the air ambulance available in Mendocino County we would not know what to do. God bless the familys, Reach, and CDF.
Cyndi Moss FF/EMT
Brooktrails Fire Dept. - Willits, Ca.
What a tragic loss of three gifted professionals. God speed to all the family members and the REACH organization. Your efforts are so appreciated!
Vince Crilly
- Santa Rosa, CA.
We all are saddened by the lost of your friends and peers. Our prayers are with you and their families. God Bless.
David Pilkenton, RN
Airlift Northwest - Bellingham, Wa.
The world is a darker place with out these fine people. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends.
Mike Burnside
- Palo Alto, Ca
My thougths and prayers are with the family and friends of the those lost in the accident.
AMR, Contra Costa Coutny - ,
Our prayers go out to all the REACH transport staff and the families of those affected. I am so sorry to hear of your lost.
Allen Wolfe
MedSTAR - Washington , DC
On behalf of everyone at EAGLE III, our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire REACH family during this tragic time.
Shaun Stamnes
EAGLE III - Green Bay, WI
My deepest sympathies go out to the entire Reach family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ty Philipson EMT-P, FP-C
Mercy Air 1 - Rancho Cucamonga, CA
May God be with the REACH family and the family of the flight crew. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Kevin King
Univ Of MS AirCare - Jackson, MS
My heartfelt condolences to the entire REACH family, the families and loved ones of Art, Kelly & Diane. For all the lives they have touched, we thank you.
Ken Chan, FF/PM
San Francisco Fire Department - ,
My deepest sympathies to the family and friends at REACH. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this tragic time.
Tracey Stover-Wall, RN
Staff for Life - Columbia, MO
We were greatly saddened to hear of the loss of your crewmates. May God hold all of you close during this time of sorrow. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Robert Ragsac, FF/Paramedic/ Engine 28
San Jose Fire Dept - San Jose, CA
I WOULD LIKE TO EXTEND MY/OUR DEEPEST AND SINCERE CONDOLENCES OUT TO THE FAMILIES OF THOSE LOST. THEY WILL BE SADLY MISSED. ALSO, OUR PRAYERS AND WELL WISHES TO THE REACH FAMILY FOR THE SUDDEN AND TRAGIC LOSS OF YOUR COLLEGUES.
MAY THEIR MEMORIES CONTINUE ON.
DALE M. SIMPSON-EMT/ERTECH/SURGERY TECH
CHILDRENS' HOSPITAL OAKLAND - Oakland, CA
I knew Kelly from Stanford Hospital. She was an awesome clinician and a wonderful person. I know that she loved to fly, as we all do! My heart and prayers go out to Her, Daine, and Art's families. My heart also goes out to those at REACH. It always hurts when a colleague goes down, but it hurts a bit deeper when tragedy touches those you know.
Sandy Correia, RN
Stanford Life Flight - Palo Alto, CA
Having gotten my start in air medical transport at REACH, you all hold a special place in my heart. While I did not know Dianne, I know she held the same passion for this work that we all do. I had the privilege to fly with both Art and Kelly and will always remember their dedication and hard work. This is a very emotional time for all in the REACH family and please know that my throughts and prayers are with all of you. Art, Kelly and Dianne, ...you are true angels watching over us.
Greg Taylor, RN, EMT-P
Flight Nurse Mercy Air 5 - Carlsbad, Ca
To all the staff at REACH and the families of those lost, please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this very sad time.
Sandy Koopman-Bryant, RN
Airlift Northwest - Seattle, WA
My heart felt condolences to all of you at REACH and the flight crew families. May all of us in the flight community carry on in the memory of those you lost.
Danny Cox
Classic Lifeguard - Page, AZ
We are so sad for your loss.
Joann Dixon, RRT-NPS
Guardian Flight, Inc - Fairbanks, Alaska
My deepest sympathies and condolences to all of the REACH family!!!
Jason C. West NR/CCEMT-P, FP-C
LifeNet - Omaha, NE
We are sorry for your great loss. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you all as you go through this time of sorrow. May you find peace during this time.
M. Nichols
Children's Hospital of Austin Transport team - Austin, Texas
On behalf of the St. Mary's CareFlight program, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with the entire REACH program and families of the 3 dedicated crew members, who will forever remain a part of our profession.
Dustin Duncan, Chief Flight Nurse
St. Mary's CareFlight - Grand Junction, Colorado
My thoughts and prayers go out ot he family and friends of the crew.
Brian Wall
LifeFlight Eagle - Kansas City, MO
All of us at CALSTAR are shocked and saddened by the sudden loss of three colleagues. It seems especially poignant at this time of year, but we remember that this is the season to celebrate Christ's birth, and the fact that he brought us a promise of eternal life. I pray that although the aircraft has fallen to the ground, the three angels inside have been lifted up to greater glory. Please keep their families and loved ones in your prayers.
Dave Sharpe
CALSTAR 2 and 5 - Gilroy/Salinas, California
As a past employee of REACH, I was very upset to hear of this terrible incident. I did not know Diane, but I did know Kelly and Art. Kelly was a sweet and competent nurse. Art was a kind man and an excellent pilot. He had also worked as a pilot in the Coast Guard. Their dedication to this dangerous field has them leave here as heros. They will be missed. To the rest of the REACH family, please accept my most sincere condolences.
Christopher McIntosh RN
- ,
Our thoughts and prayers are with the REACH family. We are deeply sorry for your loss.
Adrienne Stovall,RN & Andrew Foxcroft, LP
CareFlite - Fort Worth, Texas
Our sincere sympathy to our Reach family from Air Med Team and Redding Medical Center emergency department. You are all in our thoughts and prayers
scott Zittel, D.O., Medical Director
Aiur Med Team - Redding, CA
I'll miss you Art, and the joy you brought my friend Jennie. It was just a week ago tonight we were talking at our ER's Christmas Party. I can't seem to remember the faces of the two nurses, but I'm sure I've interacted with them many times, either in the field with Angwin Community Ambulance or in the ER at Queen of the Valley Hospital (and I've never had a bad experience with anyone from REACH.) My condolences go out to Jennie and other family members of the crew.
Ron Webb, RN, MICN
Queen of the Valley Hospital - Emergency Department - Napa, CA
We are deeply saddened by your loss. Our thoughts and prayer are with you.
Jim Mobley
Regional One - Spartanburg, SC
I am so sorry to hear of your losses. We knew Art here in SLC because of REACH's help with the 2002 Olympics. He was a wonderful person and an incredible pilot. My heart goes out to all of the families of the victims and to all of the staff and their families that work with REACH. The next few months will be very difficult for all of you, but if you stick together as a family you can get through it. God bless.
Dan Bunker
IHC Life Flight - Salt Lake City, Utah
Please accept my heartfelt condolences for your tragic loss. In my job I have gotten to know many brave men and women who have given tirelessly of themselves for the benefit of others and it is especially heartbreaking to tell this kind of story. May the knowledge that the work of these three wonderful people is appreciated by the whole community be of some solace to their survivors and the REACH family as a whole
Estelle Fennell (News Director)
KMUD Radio - Redway, CA
Our deepest sympathy is with the REACH family and families of the providers lost in this tragic event. Our prayers to each and every one touched by this untimely event Our thoughts are with you.
Christopher N. Prutzman Sr. NREMT-P
Cardiac Air Transport - Oklahoma City, OK
To the entire REACH family, We extend our deepest sympathy and condolences.
Jena Ferguson, Flight Paramedic
LifeNet - Kansas City,
Our deepest sympathies to the entire REACH family and to all of those who had the pleasure of knowing those lost in this tragedy. Let us be inspired by the caring nature and desire to help others demonstrated by work of these fine individuals. Thank you Art, Kelly, and Diane.
The Staff
Santa Clara County EMS Agency - California,
I know words of sympathy can only go far when you are faced with such incredible grief. I pray you all find strength in each other and from all of your friends in the flightweb community who are with you in spirit. I also pray that your sorrow will be replaced with all the happy memories of your crew members. I am so very sorry.
Jennifer Noble
Life Flight-UC Davis - Sacramento, CA
Our deepest sympathy is with the REACH family and families of the providers lost in this tragic event. Our prayers to each and every one touched by this untimely event Our thoughts are with you.
Christopher N. Prutzman Sr. NREMT-P
Cardiac Air Transport - Oklahoma City, OK
To the REACH family, my most sincere condolences for your loss. I have had the priveledge of working with your crews on various occasions since 1989. They will be missed.
Tim Tribble
CA-OES Fire & Rescue - Sacramento, CA
Our hearts filled with sorrow, our minds indulged in prayer. The crew here at Air Angels can not express our empathy enough in your time of mourning.
Joseph M. Bunch
Air Angels Inc. - Illinois, Chicago
My sincere sympathies and condolences to the families and coworkers of REACH.
Curt
AirLife Denver - Denver, Colorado
My sympathy and condolences to all family members and friends of our 3 modern day heros. I always admired Med-Air Flight Crews for their courage and dedication, during my employment for Saint Joseph Health Greater Sonoma County. My contact with Reach Crew Members ART & KELLY at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital Was very special and gave me reassurance that some one will be there for me if I ever needed their aid and services. Jose M Castillo (St Joseph Greater Sonoma County Area Security Supervisor)
Jose M Castillo (CEO)
S&D PROTECTION SERVICES - SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA
We wish to convey our deepest sympathies to the Families and Crews of REACH. I had the pleasure of Art's friendship and the opportunity to fly with him on many missions, he will be greatly missed.
Carrie McCoy, Director of Medical Services
NPA Air / Access Air - Boise / Elko, ID / NV
Our thoughts are with you and your families during this very difficult time.
Tom C. Frundle RN, NREMT-P
Native Air Services - Mesa, AZ
To everyone at REACH, as well as the families of those who passed on, our sincere condolences for the loss of those who were always there to help others.
Xmas 2003 will have three more stars shining brightly in the sky above.
Neville Dawson
Heli Ops int Magazine - Auckland, New Zealand
To the entire REACH family, We extend our deepest sympathy and condolences. May God Bless you and watch over you especially at this time of the year.
Tim Anderson/ EMS Pilot
Hall Air Ambulance - Bakersfield, CA.
Flight crews are always out their on the line for others in dire need, with great skills and large hearts. It's hard to accept the loss of such good people. We are all saddened but remain uplifted by all their good work.
Janet Neff, RN
Trauma Program, Stanford Univ. Med Ctr - Stanford, CA
As a friend and former co-worker at REACH, I can only say that I am devasated by this news. Although I didn't know Diane personally, I know she was a dedicated and fabulous team member, as all of the crew members are at REACH. I will never forget cute little Kelly and our wondeful Art. My heart mourns deeply with all of you today. My prayers are with you all the families of Art, Kelly and Diane. God Bless you all in this time of profound sadness. I love you all.
Suzanne Ryan
Flight for Life - Denver, Colorado
My condolences to the Reach Air Ambulance staff, families and friends of the victims of this horrible tragedy. You all are in my thoughts.
Nili Steiner, RN, MICN, CEN
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center - Los Angeles, California
Even in your darkest hour, rest easy for you will be in our thoughts and prayers nation wide. Your crew have become part of the elite flight team...Angels from above now look over all our families.
Jim Riley, CCEMTP
Mayo One - Eau Claire, WI
May their courage continue to inspire light and hope in others. Our deepest sympathy to the crew's family and friends.
Kate Garay
EMS & Emergency Operations Section, DPH - San Francisco, CA
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Vagn Petersen, NP
Trauma Service - San Francisco General Hospital - San Francisco, CA
May God be with the Family, Friends, and Co-workers. You are all in our prayers.
Deke Bell
KY LifeNet 2 - ,
No words can express the pain when we lose those we love. God bless of the angels in the sky.
Carol Pageau
Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital - Ukiah, CA
Our broken hearts go out to your program, and the crew members families. Art flew with us in Salt Lake City during the Olympics. He was a wonderful man and pilot. We share in your pain. Our prayers are with you at this time
Kris Parry RN,
IHC Life Flight - Salt Lake City, Utah
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jill Johnson
Kentucky Aeromedical Team - Lexington, Kentucky
my prayers are with all of you at REACH...God bless
Victoria Oakley paramedic Air 8
Merc y Air - Rialto , CA
We grieve with you as Sonoma County has lost 3 colleagues. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the REACH family , Kelly, Art and Diane's family and the entire EMS family. This is a huge loss for all.
Petaluma Valley Hospital - Emergency Dept - Petaluma, California
God Bless the families, friends, and coworkers of the REACH family. My prayers are with you all.
Frank Pendice RN
Life Flight - Pittsburgh, Pa
With deepest sympathy.
Jason Allen, RN
Doctors Medical Center - AMT - Modesto, CA
Our deepest sorrow and heart-felt sympathies; the thoughts and prayers of the extended fire/ems community of Mendocino County are with you, the families and friends of the flight crew of REACH-1.
Clint Watkins
Redwood Valley-Calpella Fire Department - Redwood Valley, CA
Deepest sympathy and condolences are offered to the family, crews, and friends of REACH. May God give you comfort at this difficult time.
Drew Slemp
UT LIFESTAR - Knoxville, TN
As security at our hospital I came to know all three of the air victims. Art was the first pilot I met and helped me a lot with getting our security team to let REACH no what to look for in maintaining safety at our landing site, including the weather problems at our site. All three cared deeply for the patients they served and always, as now, gave their best. I pray for the families to help find some consolation in that the crew was doing what they loved to do...help people in need.
David E Fallstead
Adventist Health Redbud Hospital - Lower Lake, Calif.
Words can not express the sadness the families of the crew must be expierencing. My condolence goes out to the families and friends of the crew and to the entire REACH staff.
Brent Wise
UCSF transport/ CALSTAR - , CA
our thoughts are with you.
medflight 3
medflight of ohio - wellston, ohio
All of us at Care Flight have you in our thoughts and prayers at this terrible time. We grieve along with you for the loss of your friends.
Karen Johnson
Care Flight - Reno, NV
Art was a great pilot. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Michael Genovese
- Seattle, Washington
Deepest sympathy to the families and friends of the REACH crew.
Kevin M. Kendall, M.D.
LifeFlight of Maine - Lewiston, Maine
Deepest sympathy goes out to all of the REACH crews and families in this difficult time. May you find the strength and courage to move on.
David L. Thomas
Conemaugh MedSTAR Air Medical Transport. - Johnstown, Pa.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the families and crew members in their time of need .....
Jane Silverberg-Crutchfield
Native Air - Phoenix, AZ
Our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the lost crew. As a paramedic's mom and former Sonoma County resident I know what a valuable service they provide. God Bless.
Robin Kunce
- Reno, Nevada
Our heartfelt prayers go up for you and your family.
DelRoy Guild
TriState CareFlight - Bullhead City, Arizona
All our prayers are with the families of the flight crew as well as the entire program.
John Cornett
MedSTAR MedEvac - Washington, DC
there have been 2 people in my life whose lives were saved by the services provided by REACH - the lives lost last night will be mourned, remembered & honored by all those they've touched.
kathy straub
- santa rosa, california
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all .
Rodney Dutton
Med-Trans One Air Ambulance - Greenville, SC
My condolences go out to the families for their tragic loss. They will be in our thoughts.
John Wade
Detroit Receiving Hospital - Detroit, MI
My deepest sympathy and sincere condolences to all family members of the crew and staff of REACH Mediplane.
Marc P. Cournoyer
Maryland State Police Aviation Division - Norwood, Maryland
We will keep you close to our hearts and prayers during this time.
Laura Balmes
PANDA Transport - Portland, Oregon
We will keep you close to our hearts and prayers during this time.
Laura Balmes
PANDA Transport - Portland, Oregon
I am so sorry for the loss of 3 wonderful people. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at REACH and the families who have lost their loved ones. May God be with you during such a difficult time.
Loren Thompson, Flight Nurse
Air Med Team - Modesto, CA
My heartfelt condolences to the families of the crew. Kelly was a dear friend that inspired many, I will miss her.
Andrew knight
Air Life of Oregon - Bend, Oregon
All of you are in our thoughts and prayers during this time. May you find some solace knowing that others around the world are grieving with you.
Rollie Parrish
Northwest MedStar - Spokane, WA
|
RSS Feed
Twitter