Hawaiʻi Life Flight releases names of 2 of the 3 crew members in apparent helicopter crash

This morning, Hawaiʻi Life Flight posted on its social media the names of two of the three crew members who were aboard a medical transport aircraft that apparently crashed without a trace on Dec. 15 in waters off the ʻAlenuihāhā Channel between Maui and the Big Island.

They are flight medic Gabe Camacho, a father of three from Kailua on Oʻahu, and flight nurse Courtney Parry, a mother of three from Kīhei on Maui.

According to the post, families of Camacho and Parry asked Life Flight to share a bit about their loved ones — and request the public respect their privacy during this difficult time.

The identity of the pilot of the aircraft has not been released at the request of the family, which continues to ask for privacy as they heal.

Camacho’s mother said their family thanked the U.S. Coast Guard and all those involved in the search of her son and two other crew members.

“We truly feel the love and support from not only our family and friends but from the community at large. Gabriel loved what he did, and he was well aware of the risks,” Camacho’s mother said. “He will be forever loved and remembered by us all. The family will be holding a celebration of Gabe’s life after the New Year.”

Parry’s family wanted the community to know that the flight nurse had a “passion for living and an immeasurable love for her three children.”

“She had an incredible sense of humor and in no time would have the whole room laughing. Anyone who has ever met Courtney was immediately drawn to her vibrant spirit,” the Parry family stated. “She was selfless, caring and truly loved helping others.

“She loved to travel and was always looking for new places to go. Courtney lived an incredibly full life with no regrets. Whatever she set her mind to, she accomplished. She was kind, funny, courageous and although she will be missed tremendously, our love for her will live on forever.”

Parry lived on Maui with her adult daughter, Sydney, a kindergarten teacher in Kīhei. Sydney said on a GoFundMe page: “My mom was funny, loving and selfless. She loved her nurse job and always put everyone’s needs before hers.

“It was her passion always to help others, and no matter the risk of her job, she willingly got on the plane every shift so she could assist those in need. When she wasn’t working, she loved to play with our 2 dogs and also loved to travel and go on adventures. This summer, we had plans to go explore Greece together.”