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Three killed in Med Flight crash

By Associated Press May 11, 2008 - 11:04 a.m.

MADISON -- A medical helicopter on a return flight after dropping off a patient crashed after takeoff, killing the surgeon, nurse and pilot aboard, officials said Sunday.

The University of Wisconsin Hospital Med Flight helicopter was returning to Madison on Saturday night from the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse when it crashed, UW Hospital spokesman Aaron Conklin said.

The helicopter left Madison around 8:30 p.m. Saturday night to drop off a patient at the La Crosse hospital and departed the airport there at about 10:30 p.m., UW Hospital chief operating officer Margaret Van Bree said.

"No further communication was received from the crew," she said.

The helicopter was found about four miles from the airport around 8:40 a.m. Sunday, Van Bree said.

Preliminary reports indicate the helicopter may have struck a hill or some trees but the exact cause is not yet known, Van Bree said. Killed in the crash were surgeon Darren Bean, nurse Mark Coyne and pilot Steve Lipperer, she said.

momof5
May 12, 2008 at 12:16 p.m.
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sorry...it's Monday. My post should read "him in a....".

momof5
May 12, 2008 at 10:21 a.m.
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Mark was part of the flight team that saved my son's life. I also knew his im a professional capacity. The UW system has suffered a tremendous loss, in addition to their families. God bless.

Kilgor720
May 11, 2008 at 11:15 p.m.
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When my daughter was medflighted, they were a tremendous asset! Our thoughts and prayers are out to the famililes, friends, and coworkers of these valliant men who will forever be missed!

ms_sassy_wi
May 11, 2008 at 11:10 p.m.
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what a great loss. these were three very dedicated and valuable assets to the critical response team as well as the entire community. may they rest in peace having saved so many others who were involved in tragedies in the past.

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