COLUMBUS — Three people were killed Tuesday morning in a medical helicopter crash in Vinton County, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
The flight crew has been identified as Pilot Jennifer L. Topper, 34, of Sunbury; flight nurses Bradley J. Haynes, 48, of London, and Rachel L. Cunningham, 33, of Galloway. All three were pronounced dead at the scene.
At approximately 7:20 a.m., the Patrol was notified by Survival Flight that communication was lost with one of its helicopters. The helicopter departed Mount Carmel Grove City hospital and was flying to Holzer Meigs hospital in Pomeroy.
Troopers from the Jackson Post, the Patrol’s Special Response Team and Aviation Unit responded to canvas the area using the last known location. At approximately 10:16 a.m., the Patrol located the wreckage of a Bell 407 helicopter east of state Route 278 and south of King Hollow Trail in Brown Township.
There were no reported injuries to anyone in the area.
The Federal Aviation Administration is on scene.
The Ohio State Highway Patrol was assisted by Vinton, Meigs and Jackson counties sheriffs’ offices; Vinton County Emergency Management Agency; Ohio Department of Natural Resources; and the Vinton County Coroner’s Office.
The crash remains under investigation.
