'Angel in the sky': Fallen LifeFlight veteran paramedic Allan Williams honored

Описание: NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — Tennessee is mourning the loss of a hero after a Vanderbilt University Medical Center LifeFlight helicopter crashed Saturday in Wilson County, taking the life of longtime flight paramedic Allan Williams.

Williams spent 15 years with Vanderbilt’s LifeFlight team, risking, and ultimately sacrificing, his life in the service of saving others.

The medical helicopter went down just minutes after taking off from the Music City Executive Airport in Gallatin. No patients were on board. Two other crew members, the pilot and another flight nurse, suffered serious injuries.

Williams, who leaves behind a wife and two young sons, was remembered as a dedicated and compassionate medic who made a lifelong commitment to helping others.

Hours after the crash, LifeFlight crews and first responders honored Williams by draping him in an American flag, as a procession of vehicles with blue lights followed. Tributes have since poured in online, from across the local emergency medical community and beyond.

The Wilson County Firefighter Association released a statement Sunday, saying in part, “We mourn the loss of a dedicated LifeFlight crew member and pray for healing for those injured. Our thoughts are also with our brothers and sisters in the emergency medical community who serve with courage every day.”

Community tributes

Wilson County Mayor Randall Hutto also offered condolences, posting, “Our hearts are heavy tonight in Wilson County. Please join me in praying for all on the LifeFlight helicopter, as well as their families and coworkers.”

U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee shared a statement, writing that she is praying for those involved in the crash and adding, “Our hearts go out to the Vanderbilt LifeFlight crew members and their families.”

Williams’ colleagues say his courage and dedication will not be forgotten, a true “angel in the sky” who took off again and again to save lives.

An innately dangerous service

Flight nursing and medical aviation remain among the most dangerous roles in emergency medicine, said Rose Agas-Yuu, a flight nurse in Hawaii with nearly 30 years of experience.

“I’ve probably seen close to home three teams go down,” Agas-Yuu said. “They put their lives on the line every day because they know they need to get that patient back- no one else is going to do it.”

Ongoing investigation

Vanderbilt officials said the cause of the crash remains under investigation, including by the NTSB and FAA.

The hospital confirmed that Andy Sikes, the other flight paramedic on board, and the pilot, whose family has requested privacy, are both being treated at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

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