The Virginian-Pilot
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ELIZABETH CITY, N.C.
Members of the Coast Guard helicopter crew that crashed in Utah last week as they traveled from Vancouver, B.C. arrived home at their North Carolina base this weekend.
The helicopter, with five aboard, crashed Wednesday about 50 miles west of Salt Lake City. The Elizabeth City-based helicopter and another were on their way back from Vancouver where they had helped provide security during the Winter Olympics.
Three of the five-member crew that crashed returned to Elizabeth City, along with crew members from the accompanying helicopter, Saturday. Two others – Petty Officer 2nd Class Gina Panuzzi and Lt. Cmdr. Steven Cerveny of Lincoln, Neb. — remained in fair condition Sunday at University Hospital in Salt Lake City.
“I thank God that they’re alive and everyone will recover fully,” Capt. John Hardin commanding officer of Elizabeth City Coast Guard Air Station, said during a video interview for the Coast Guard.
“It’s one thing to hear your crew is OK. It’s another thing getting the opportunity to actually look them in the eye and shake their hand and give them a hug when they get back. It’s wonderful to have them back.”
The crew members who returned included Cmdr. Patrick Shaw, 37, of Juneau, Alaska, Petty Officer 3rd Class Darren M. Hicks, 22, of Oroville, Wash. And Petty Officer 3rd Class Edward Sychra, 26, of Blanchard Idaho.
Lauren King, (757) 446-2309, lauren.king@pilotonline.com
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