Divers Recover Body of Missing Person in California Helicopter Crash That Killed Two Others

Divers locate body of missing individual in California helicopter crash, raising death toll to three. NTSB investigating cause.

Editorial Desk

October 2, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Los Angeles, United States — Divers have located the body of a missing individual following a medical helicopter crash off Catalina Island near Los Angeles, increasing the death toll to three, officials confirmed Friday.

The helicopter, which was transporting a woman for medical care after an allergic reaction, crashed into the Pacific Ocean shortly after takeoff. Two other individuals were hospitalized with injuries, while the pilot and a nurse were among those who died. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the incident.

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Authorities said the wreckage was found about 200 feet (60 meters) underwater, after divers searched over 156 square miles (404 square kilometers) for more than 23 hours. The operator of the helicopter, REACH Air Medical Services, confirmed that two crew members died and a third was recovering in the hospital.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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