Updated statement as of 4:00 pm Eastern Time, December 26, 2011
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Dec. 26 — A helicopter transporting two members of Mayo Clinic’s transplant team crashed this morning while traveling to Shands at the University of Florida in Gainesville to procure an organ. The medical team consisted of Mayo Clinic cardiac surgeon Luis Bonilla, M.D., and procurement technician David Hines. A helicopter pilot who was not employed by Mayo also died in the accident. No patients were on board.
“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.
“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.”
Mayo is working internally to support the family and employees of those lost in this unfortunate tragedy.
The helicopter was owned and operated by an outside company.
Related posts:
All “Helicopter Crash” Stories published by Mayo Clinic
Download files:
Hi-Res photo of Dr. Luis Bonilla: http://db.tt/BEf78aHF (JPG)
Hi-Res photo of David Hines: http://db.tt/RkWDunq6 (JPG)
Hi-Res photo of Bonilla/Hines together: http://db.tt/eXIqamoM (JPG)
See this story on…
Our Facebook: http://goo.gl/9fC4v
Our Twitter: http://goo.gl/SCIjS
Transplant programs at Mayo Clinic: MayoClinic.org/transplant
We welcome you to share your condolences, thoughts and feelings in the comments below.
My heart goes out to these families.
My heart goes out to these families. You are in our prayers.
I knew David briefly a few years ago, but his dedication to his work left an impression I haven’t forgotten. He was able to bless so many with his talent and skill. God be with the families of all.
We share the pain of the families that have lost their loved ones. May the PEACE of the Lord which transends
all human understanding abide in your hearts in the coming days and years. Having been a patient at Mayo, I can tell you the people employed there are of the upmost intergrity and caring. May God Bless.
My sympathies to the Mayo Clinic and to the families and loved ones of those that perished.
We mourn with our friends and colleagues at Mayo Clinic over the tragic death of these dedicated individuals. Our deepest condolences and prayers go out to their friends and families.
Heartfelt sympathy to the families of these wonderful men who did such great work for society.
My heart goes out to the family of this dedicated doctor and medical technician and also to the patient that they were trying to save.
Requiescat in pace …..R.I.P…. Ruhe in Frieden
Omnia tempus – Alles hat seine Zeit
I can’t begin to express my sorrow over this. These people dedicated their lives to helping others, and they will not be forgotten. They were true heroes. My heartfelt sympathies go out to their family, friends, coworkers and anyone else who had the privilege of knowing them.
Our deepest sympathy to all families and friends as well as to co workers at The Mayo Clinic where they will be greatly missed. God bless you all.
So sad that this happened. Prayers and sympathy for the families of these fine men from Mayo, and also the pilot.
http://donatelife-organdonation.blogspot.com/2011/12/donate-life-rose-float-to-honor.html?spref=fb
hopefully all of the media who are covering the rose parade when the donate life float goes by they mention this
so who ever needs to do this to get in touch with all of the media would like to see this happen
i have sarcoidosis it does not have me
i will kick its ass
i refuse to lose
thomas michael kappler
God Bless the families in this tragedy and the Mayo Clinic, my sister and I were born at St. Mary’s hospital while my father, Dr. Clark T. Leavitt trained at Mayo, and they asked him to stay on and work there, but he was homesick for Canada and we went home, but Mayo has always been a part of our lives. Thank you Mayo for who you are and what you do for suffering around the world.