Four Dead After Medical Helicopter Crashes While Airlifting Patient in Alabama

A medical emergency turned into a major tragedy Saturday when a medical helicopter crashed while transporting a patient in Alabama.

All four people on board were killed.

A patient, flight medic, nurse and a pilot were among the victims, according to Coffee County authorities.

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The patient was reportedly being airlifted following a car accident when the helicopter crashed in the woods.

First responders first scoured the area when the helicopter was first reported missing after midnight on Saturday, authorities say.

Heavy woods in the crash area near Goodman made initial rescue efforts difficult, as did severe thunderstorms, WTVY reports.

All the bodies were eventually recovered. The victims have been identified as pilot Chad Hammond, flight nurse Stacey Cernadas, flight medic Jason Snipes, and patient Zach Strickland.

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Strangely, this is the second helicopter crash in a week in southeast Alabama. On Monday, a helipocter from Ft. Rucker, a U.S. Army post, went down near the Dothan Airport. 

Three people were injured in Monday's crash.

The cause of Saturday's deadly tragedy remains under investigation.

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