| Year Honored | |
|---|---|
| 2011 | |
| Honoree | |
| Alexander Kelley | |
| Title | |
| EMS Pilot | |
| Agency | |
| LifeNet Arizona | |
| Agency City | |
| Douglas | |
| Agency State | |
| Arizona | |
| Last Call | |
| 7/28/2010 | |
| Cause of Death | |
| Air Medical Crash | |
| Biography | |
| Alexander Kelley had over 40 years of experience flying. He learned how to fly in the U.S. Army during his service in Vietnam, flying dangerous missions in the most extreme circumstances. A friend described him as a "True American Hero" as he detailed Alex's experience and his flying history: A Vietnam Vet, a pilot with the U.S. border patrol, and then as an EMS pilot for LifeNet. He flew to serve; every helicopter he flew for every agency he worked for was to serve those on the ground who depended upon him. Whether it is a soldier on the battlefield, a border patrol officer in need of assistance, or the victim of a medical or traumatic emergency, he put others before himself.In the early afternoon of July 28, 2010, the helicopter, known as LifeNet 12, was traveling from Marana to Douglas at the time of the crash. It had been at the company's base located at Marana Regional Airport for routine maintenance and was in the process of being returned to its home base. A witness told local Tucson media that he heard a popping sound before the aircraft's engines went silent. He then saw the helicopter spin a few times before it crashed into a wall and burst into flames.Witnesses on the ground described Alex's last heroic act; as the helicopter was falling from the sky, he was able to maneuver the craft away from homes beneath him. This act of selfless heroism certainly prevented further injuries. Alexander Kelly was transported from the scene and later succumbed to his injuries.Honored 2011 |
The United States Official National EMS Memorial Service
