October 1, 2026

San Pedro, CA – At 7:53pm last night, Los Angeles County Fire and Lifeguard units along with units from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Avalon Fire, and US Coast Guard were dispatched to a helicopter crash off the coast of Catalina Island. Four victims have been recovered from the water. The search is ongoing for a fifth victim who was reported in the aircraft. Of the four passengers recovered, two have been transported to hospitals on the mainland, and two victims have been pronounced deceased.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn issued the following statement:

“Throughout the night, my team and I were in close contact with our LA County Fire and Sheriff’s Departments, Avalon Mayor Anni Marshall, and others as our first responders worked to find and rescue the passengers of this downed helicopter. The search for the fifth victim is ongoing, and teams are working to reach the wreckage of the helicopter. This morning the National Transportation Safety Board has taken over the investigation into how this crash happened.

The people onboard this helicopter dedicated their careers to saving lives. They are heroes, and this is a terrible loss not just for Catalina but for our County.

I am heartbroken for the families of the people who lost their lives in this crash. My prayers are with the survivors and the Avalon community.”