A Mission of Care Ends in Heartbreak
What began as a life-saving mission ended in devastating tragedy for four dedicated air medical professionals. On August 5, just after 12:30 p.m., a CSI Aviation Beechcraft King Air providing air ambulance services crashed near Chinle Municipal Airport in Arizona. The crash claimed the lives of all four crewmembers: pilots Jeffrey Tuning and Amanda Benson, flight nurse Kameilia “Kami” Chavez, and flight paramedic Nicholas “Nick” Mancuso.
The crew had been preparing to transport a patient from the Indian Health Service Hospital in Chinle back to Albuquerque. Instead, their mission ended just minutes from its intended start, shattering the lives of their families, friends, and colleagues.
Honoring Lives Devoted to Service
CSI Aviation confirmed the identities of the victims and expressed profound sorrow over the loss. COO William Collins shared that the company’s “hearts are with the families of Jeff, Amanda, Kami, and Nick” and that the organization shares in their grief. Each of the four brought a unique skill set and deep commitment to saving lives.
Jeffrey and Amanda, as commercial pilots, were entrusted with navigating challenging skies to reach those in need. Kami, a compassionate and experienced flight nurse, was known for her tireless care and calming presence in the most critical moments. Nick, a highly skilled flight paramedic, had a reputation for staying steady under pressure, ensuring patients received the best possible chance at survival during transport.
Seeking Answers, Carrying Memories
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the cause of the crash, while the community grapples with a sense of loss that words can barely capture. In Albuquerque and beyond, memorials are being planned to honor the crew’s dedication to their work and the countless lives they touched.
For their families, the grief is raw and compounded by the knowledge that these were not just skilled professionals, but beloved human beings with dreams, families, and friends waiting for them to return. The tragedy underscores the risks faced daily by those in emergency medical services — and the immeasurable debt society owes them.
As the investigation continues, the memory of Jeff, Amanda, Kami, and Nick will live on in the hearts of those who knew them, and in the lives of the many they helped save.
