Crash victim dies

Copter clips wires during transport
By LYNN THOMPSON
Times Reporter
Published:
Thursday, January 14, 2010 10:28 AM EST
EDGERTON —Two cars and a helicopter crashed in Edgerton Wednesday afternoon, resulting in the death of Gwendoline Trevino of Edgerton.

According to initial reports from the scene, at 2:32 p.m. Wednesday, Trevino, 73, was westbound on U.S. 6 when she attempted to make a right turn at the Valero gas station, 214 W. Vine St. Her vehicle was struck broadside by a vehicle driven by Jennifer Horne, also of Edgerton.

The Edgerton Fire Department and Williams County EMS responded. Trevino’s injuries were assessed as critical, Horne’s injuries were assessed as serious. Two air ambulances were activated. The Butler, Ind., Fire Department also responded to help set up landing zones.

According to Edgerton Fire Chief Scott Blue, the first landing zone was set up in front of the Park View Nursing Center, 328 W. Vine St. The Parkview Samaritan pilot waved it off, preferring an open field next to the Edgerton Medical Center. While attempting to land there, the helicopter’s tail boom hooked and pressed an electrical wire.


“I saw the wire snap,” he said, “and the bird wobbled, but the pilot fought hard and brought it down safe.”

A utility pole fell during the wire strike, causing minimal damage to a parked vehicle.

No one was injured in the copter incident.

The second helicopter, Lutheran Air, landed without incident and the Samaritan flight crew assisted with treatment and loading at the scene. Trevino was flown to Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne, Ind., where she died at approximately 6 p.m.

A second Parkview Samaritan helicopter was activated to transport Horne, also to Parkview, where she remained in serious condition this morning.

Both vehicles were severely damaged, according to Edgerton Police Chief Jim Walker. The vehicle crash remains under investigation.

The helicopter sustained cosmetic damage from the wire strike and remained on the scene until a full maintenance assessment could be completed.

Ohio Highway Patrol officers responded to secure the scene and conduct a preliminary investigation.

The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board also will investigate the incident.