Helicopter Crash Off Catalina Island Claims Two Lives, One Missing

• by Shimanta Das
• October 4, 2026

A helicopter crash off the coast of California’s Catalina Island has left two people dead and one person missing, authorities said. The aircraft, operated by REACH Air Medical Services, went down shortly after takeoff on Thursday while transporting a patient to the mainland for medical care, according to officials. Two other occupants were transported to hospitals on the mainland in stable condition, the Los Angeles County Fire Department confirmed. The missing person, a woman, was being taken from Catalina Island to the mainland after suffering an allergic reaction, relatives told ABC7.

Rescue operations for the fifth victim are ongoing, though hopes of finding her alive are diminishing. The crash occurred in the waters off Catalina Island, a popular tourist destination about 22 miles southwest of Los Angeles. The Los Angeles County Fire Department said two people were pronounced dead at the scene, while the two survivors were taken to hospitals in stable condition. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

REACH Air Medical Services, headquartered in Sacramento, is a critical care air and ground transport provider. In a statement, the company said, “In the days ahead, our focus will remain on caring for our people, supporting their families and honoring the lives and service of those we have lost.” The company has not released the names of the victims pending notification of next of kin.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Crecy said the aircraft likely went down shortly after taking off from the island and was believed to be transporting a person to the mainland for further medical treatment. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have been notified and will investigate the incident. The crash is a tragic reminder of the risks faced by air medical crews who transport patients in emergency situations. Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of all those affected.