2 Mayo Clinic Workers, Non-Staff Pilot Killed in Helicopter Crash
A Mayo Clinic spokeswoman said Monday a helicopter pilot who died along with two of the non-profit organization’s medical staff members after a crash near Gainsville, Fla. was not an employee.
The organization identified the two employees – who were on a trip to harvest organs - as Mayo Clinic cardiac surgeon Luis Bonilla, M.D., and procurement technician David Hines.
“Our deepest sympathies go out to the families of those involved in this tragedy. This is a great loss to the Mayo Clinic family and the transplant community,” said William Rupp, M.D., vice president of Mayo Clinic and chief executive officer of Mayo Clinic in Florida.
The Mayo Clinic said in a statement that the helicopter left Jacksonville Florida at about 5:45 a.m. to gather organs at Shands Medical Center in Gainesville but never made it.
WJXT in Jacksonville, Fla. reported that a Clay County deputy spotted wreckage from the helicopter as he was in a helicopter himself southwest of Green Cove Springs and said that deputies had to use ATVs to reach the site. The crash started a small fire in a wooded area.
WJXT was told SK Logistics out of St. Augustine owns the helicopter. The pilot has not been identified and the company did not immediately respond to a Medical Daily request for comment.
Mayo Clinic said it is “working internally to support the family and employees of those lost in this unfortunate tragedy.”
“As we mourn this tragic event, we will remember the selfless and intense dedication they brought to making a difference in the lives of our patients,” said John Noseworthy, Mayo Clinic president and chief executive officer. “We recognize the commitment transplant teams make every day in helping patients at Mayo Clinic and beyond. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families.”