Honorees

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Year Honored
1997
Honoree
Louis A Merz
Agency
Air Med, University of Utah Hospital
Agency City
Salt Lake City
Agency State
UT
Last Call
4/11/83
Cause of Death
Medical Aviation Accident
Biography
Louis Alan Merz was born April 19, 1953, in Sapporo, Japan, the fourth of five children. His father was a military pilot and flying soon became Louis' passion as well. His cheerful and sunny personality followed him into adulthood along with a deep sense of compassion and caring.<br /> <br /> Perhaps Louis' greatest attribute was his wonderful sense of humor. He loved to have fun and laugh. He would have barbecues in the middle of a snowstorm and then picnic in the middle of the living room floor.<br /> <br /> There were two things Louis did take very seriously, however. One was his family as he loved his two children deeply and completely. The second was his chosen profession of flying. He felt blessed to not only be able to fly, but to have the opportunity to save lives. The children he flew especially touched him.<br /> <br /> Louis, 29, died April 11, 1983 doing the two things he liked best: helping save lives and flying. His Bell 206 L1 jet helicopter crashed in heavy fog, rain and ice as he was en route to pick up a sick child and pediatric team for transport.<br /> <br /> At the time of his death, Louis Merz was employed as a full time EMS pilot by Tiger Air, operator of the AirMed program for the University of Utah Hospital. Prior to this he had been a Chief Warrant Officer for the U.S. Army for almost 10 years as a helicopter pilot. He was also flying helicopters as a member of the Utah National Guard.<br /> <br /> Louis had one more month to go before receiving his degree in Aerospace Studies from Westminster College in Salt Lake City. His parents, Martin and Jane Merz, were awarded his degree posthumously.<br /> <br /> Honored 1997