** Names released in fatal Friday air ambulance crash in North Carolina
** US Patriot Day to mark the 16th anniversary since 9/11
UNITED STATES NEWS
** North Carolina authorities have now released the name of 3 of the 4 victims killed in Friday’s air ambulance crash in Belvidere. The Herald Sun (Ray Gronberg/Camila Molina/September 10) said the 11:45 a.m. mishap claimed the lives of flight nurses Kris Harrison and Crystal Sollinger, as well as pilot Jeff Burke. Authorities have not released the identity of the patient killed. All three crew members were based at Johnston Regional Airport. Both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating. Duke University Health Systems, meanwhile, which ran the chopper, has temporarily grounded its Life Flight program. A spokesman said the move was intended to give fellow crew members time to process the loss of their colleagues. The Friday crash marks the 10th fatal helicopter accident in the US this year.
** The United States is observing Patriot Day today to honor the civilians, paramedics, and other emergency services workers lost during the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001. A press release put out by the White House (September 8) said the special commemoration was created on December 18, 2001 by a joint resolution of Congress. To honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost in the attack, states, territories, and other interested organizations are being asked to lower their flags to half mast. Encouragement is also being given to observe a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time.
