Helicopter crash kills 3, puts transplant on hold

The crash was deep in a forested, isolated area in Florida

A huge number of people are involved in an organ transplant - not just the transplant team in the OR.  The night of my brother's transplant, the heart was flown in from another city in Ontario.  Take off was delayed by several hours due to a terrible storm that evening.  I often think of the staff involved in transporting his organ, essentially risking their lives because they flew in a storm.  

Yesterday, a helicopter crashed killing transplant surgeon, Dr. Luis Bonilla, procurement technician, David Hines of the Mayo Clinic, and the pilot. They were enroute to pickup the donor heart in Gainesville, Florida.

The Mayo Clinic is quoted as saying "As we mourn this tragic event, we will remember the selfless and intense dedication they brought to making a difference in the lives of our patients," John Noseworthy, Mayo Clinic president and chief executive officer, said in a statement. "We recognize the commitment transplant teams make every day in helping patients at Mayo Clinic and beyond. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families."

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/12/27/helicopter-crash-kills-3-puts-transplant-on-hold-1715423382/#ixzz1hkqO2sS0