Sierra LifeFlight Holds Candlelight Vigil for REACH 5 Crew

BISHOP, CA. –
This evening on October 15, 2025, Sierra LifeFlight held a Candlelight Vigil to honor the three crew members from the REACH 5 accident in Sacramento earlier this month. The event brought the community together in support of the team and their families.

Mike Patterson, Program Director for Sierra LifeFlight, led the vigil. He shared heartfelt poems, told the story of the REACH 5 crew, and called for a moment of silence. The silence happened at 7:06 p.m., the exact time of the helicopter crash. Mammoth Ski Patrol and the Bishop Fire Department attended to show their support. After the tributes, Patterson invited everyone to stay for refreshments. Sierra LifeFlight aircraft were on display with doors open for people to look inside.

The REACH 5 crew included pilot Chad Millward, paramedic Margaret Davis, and nurse Suzie Smith. They were flying back to Redding after dropping off a patient at UC Davis Medical Center per local reports. The helicopter was on Highway 50 when it lost power and crashed near the 48th Street overpass. Tragically, Suzie Smith passed away a few days later from her injuries. The other two crew members are in critical but stable condition. The NTSB is investigating the cause of the power loss resulting in the crash.

Sierra Wave and its staff send thoughts and prayers to the REACH 5 team and everyone involved. We thank Mike Patterson, the Sierra LifeFlight crew, Mammoth Ski Patrol, Bishop Fire Department, and all volunteers for organizing the vigil.

By: Tyler Beadle

Watch the Candlelight Vigil – Click Here