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3 killed in medical helicopter crash in Tenn.

Emergency crews had to bring in special equipment to access the crash site because of the muddy conditions

The Associated Press

SOMERVILLE, Tenn. — Two hospital workers and a pilot died in a helicopter crash near Somerville, Tenn., Tuesday morning en route to pick up a patient, MyFoxMemphis.com reported.

The Hospital Wing said it lost contact with the helicopter around 6:20 a.m. There were two LeBonheur Children’s Hospital personnel on board along with a Hospital Wing pilot, the report said.

Le Bonheur’s President and CEO Meri Armour said that the pilot and crew were experienced, and that they had a great helicopter.

Emergency officials found the helicopter’s remains in a wooded section of Somervile, about 45 miles east of Memphis.

In a news release, the hospital identified those killed as 47-year-old pilot Charles Smith, 43-year-old nurse Carrie Barlow and 43-year-old respiratory therapist Denise Adams.