WAOW photo
HAZELHURST, Wis. (AP) - Ascension Wisconsin says it's suspending operations of its air and ground medical transport units following the fatal crash of a medical helicopter in northern Wisconsin.
The Oneida County Sheriff's Office says three flight crew members on board an Ascension Health Spirit helicopter died when it crashed in Hazelhurst, a small town about 150 miles northwest of Green Bay. The wreckage was found early Friday after the chopper was reported missing late Thursday night.
Ascension Wisconsin says air and ground ambulance service will be suspended until the company determines when it's appropriate to resume operations. The company said in a statement that it's working with emergency service partners and medical transportation colleagues in the region to meet patient needs.
Air Methods operates medical air services for Ascension, providing mechanics and pilots. Air Methods spokeswoman Christina Ward says one of its pilots was killed in the crash. Ascension operates its own ambulances in the region.