"She was a happy, family oriented individual. She was known for her ability to make people smile spontaneously. She loved to teach and help you understand the medical field. She was just one of those special people that impacted people's lives, and that type of person does not come along very often," stated an associate.<br />
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Kelly A. Conti, 38, of Wickliffe, Ohio, was a flight and critical care nurse. She lost her life January 18, 2002 when the helicopter she was riding crashed. The medical team was on a routine trip to transfer a cardiac patient from Lake West Hospital to Cleveland Clinic. Upon lift-off, their BK-117 helicopter veered right, clipping the tower, sending the chopper plunging twelve stories to a courtyard below.<br />
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Flight nurse Conti was a 17-year veteran who worked for University Hospital MedEvac/STAT MedEvac since 1998. She was a Pediatric Trauma Nurse Educator, who lectured and provided continuing education programs for local fire, emergency services and emergency room personnel. Before coming to University Hospital she worked as the Pediatric Trauma Nurse Educator for Rainbow Babies' and Children's Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. She was a founding member of the University Air Care in Cleveland in 1989.<br />
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Honored 2003 |