09/08/2026
**A day we will never forget. 🚁💙**
Nine years later, we remember those who lost their lives while answering the call to care for others. Their service, sacrifice, and memory will never be forgotten.
That morning at 7 AM was beautiful. There wasn't a cloud in the sky, the sun was shining. It was cool, low 70's with almost no humidity; a welcome change from the oppressive heat that we had been having. In short, it was a beautiful day to fly. Shift change was brief and to the point. Night shift had been busy and day shift had a flight pending.. we turned in our gear and they signed theirs out. We said our "hellos" and our "goodbyes", and our "see you laters". As I walked to my truck I heard the familiar whine of the turbine engines spooling up, and N146DU lifted into the air.. I was feeling great because it was Friday and I had the weekend off; my wife and I were going to see Jason Aldean that night. All was right in the world. It was Friday September 8, 2017.
At approximately 11:43 AM Duke Life Flight 3 suffered a catastrophic engine failure and crashed into a field, taking with it the lives of all on board. Hearts were broken, lives were shattered and those left behind would never be the same. In that moment, everything changed. This is a moment in my life so pivotal that every other moment now falls into one of two categories, either "before" or "after".
9 years later, I still grieve. I still hurt. I still remember. At times it feels like 100 years ago, and at other times it feels like yesterday; I can still hear their voices and their laughter. I believe that they live on in me; I tell their stories and use the lessons they taught me as I help teach and grow the next generation of Life Flight providers. I live my life the way they did; working hard, playing hard and loving with all my might.
To Kris Harrison, Crystal Sollinger, Jeff Burke and Mary Bartlett, I hope you know that you made an indelible mark on this world. People are better for having known you. I smile when I speak your names, and each day when I lace my boots up I do it hoping to honor you through my service. I said I'd continue the mission because I believed then and still believe now that it is what you would've wanted. I watch your families as they grow, and I hope they know that they always have a friend in me.
So for now, it's "so long". I wish you clear skies and tail winds until we meet again. Forever Life Flight 3.
-JD
