The Madison County Sheriff’s Office in Mississippi, along with other agencies, is conducting an investigation into a fatal helicopter crash.
Sheriff Randy Tucker confirmed that three individuals lost their lives in the incident.
The crash was reported around 12:30 p.m. ET on Monday near Highway 43 and the Natchez Trace Parkway, just outside Jackson, Mississippi. The aircraft went down in a heavily wooded area located south of the Trace and north of Pipeline Road.
Authorities stated that the helicopter involved was a medical transport aircraft. Officials from the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) issued a statement regarding the crash:
“This afternoon, an AirCare helicopter had an accident in Madison County, north of the Ross Barnett Reservoir. Two UMMC employee crew members and a Med-Trans pilot were on board. There was no patient aboard.
Law Enforcement and first-response units have responded to the scene and families are being contacted. We will share more information when possible,” the statement read.
Madison officials noted that they were awaiting the arrival of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to assist in the investigation.
Fatal Helicopter Accident in Mississippi (Photo: Barbara Gauntt)Local leaders expressed their condolences following the tragedy. Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves posted a statement on Facebook:
“First Lady of Mississippi Elee Reeves and I are praying for the victims of today’s helicopter crash in Madison County. Please keep the victims’ families and coworkers in your prayers.
It’s a tragic reminder of the risks Mississippi’s first responders take every day to keep us safe. Our state will never forget the sacrifice of these heroes.”
Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hosemann also shared his thoughts on Facebook:
“Please join Lynn and me in praying for the families of the dedicated individuals who lost their lives in the tragic helicopter crash in Madison County this afternoon.
Words cannot express the weight of this loss or the profound gratitude we have for their service in caring for Mississippi’s patients.”
Numerous emergency response agencies arrived at the crash site, including the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Madison Police Department, Madison County Emergency Operations, Gluckstadt Fire Department, Pearl Fire Department, and other firefighting units, along with the Mississippi Highway Patrol.