| Year Honored | |
|---|---|
| 2007 | |
| Honoree | |
| Kristophor John Lamphere | |
| Agency | |
| Med Flight Air Ambulance | |
| Agency City | |
| Albuquerque | |
| Agency State | |
| NM | |
| Last Call | |
| 10/24/04 | |
| Cause of Death | |
| Medical Aviation Accident | |
| Biography | |
| John's love and passion was flying. It was natural to him. Flying made him feel at peace and closer to God. John was more comfortable in the air than most, perhaps because he knew everything about the airplane that he was flying. He would rather be in the sky than anywhere else.<br /> <br /> Kristophor John Lamphere, 30, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, was the co-pilot on board the Med Flight Air Ambulance that tragically crashed into the Otay Mountainside in San Diego, California on October 24, 2004. The air rescue ambulance team was returning to their home base in Albuquerque, after transporting a patient from a cruise ship in Manzanillo, Mexico, to a San Diego hospital. They were about a minute into flight when all contact was lost on radar. All five passengers on board perished.<br /> <br /> Mr. Lamphere joined the United States Air Force in July of 1992. While serving in the military, he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Professional Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. After leaving the Air Force, John found his ideal job at Med Flight, Inc. He often expressed his enthusiasm for having the opportunity to fly a Learjet, while also helping others in need of medical attention.<br /> <br /> John spent his childhood building and flying remote control planes in elementary school. In high school he moved on to more sophisticated interests, such as exploring the mechanics of engines and repairing or restoring anything he could. He shared this gift with anyone in need of help or expressing an interest in his mechanical knowledge and expertise. At the time of his death, John was building the smallest twin-engine plane in the world.<br /> <br /> John loved the outdoors, loved to dance, play the guitar and sing. John met the love of his life, Tammie, in January 2003, and was married on June 11, 2004. John's purpose in life revolved around his three loves: God, family and flying! He was a devoted Christian, husband, stepfather, son, brother and pilot who loved life, and lived his dream to its fullest. Although we have so many fond and wonderful memories with John, thirty years was not nearly enough time to spend with him. He is greatly missed.<br /> <br /> Honored 2007 |
The United States Official National EMS Memorial Service
