Authorities ID the two killed in North Memorial helicopter crash
Deb Schott and Tim McDonald died in the Friday crash.
Deb Schott, Facebook; and GoFundMe
The pilot and nurse killed in the North Memorial helicopter crash on Friday have been identified by authorities.
Pilot Tim McDonald, 44, of Siren, Wisconsin, and nurse Deb Schott, 58, of Biscay, Minnesota, died in the crash at Brainerd Lakes Regional Airport just after 1 a.m. Friday.
A third crew member, paramedic Josh Duda, 42, of Pillager, Minnesota, was injured in the crash and taken to a hospital for treatment.
How the Agusta Westland A109 helicopter came to crash hasn't yet been determined, with both the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration investigating.
A GoFundMe page has been created for McDonald's family, which reveals that the pilot was a father-of-four.
"Tim leaves behind his wife Crystal and 4 children. Crystal will need financial help and everyone’s prayers during such a tragic event. Hearts are so broken," the page says.
The Star Tribune reports that Schott had worked with the air ambulance service for 15 years, having been an emergency room nurse for 30 years.
A procession of emergency vehicles was held through the streets of St. Paul Friday evening as Schott's body was taken from the Ramsey County Medical Examiner's Office to the funeral home.
Video of the procession was shared to Facebook by Schott's daughter.
