Life Flight paramedic, retired Davis County sheriff's deputy dies from injuries sustained in plane crash


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SALT LAKE CITY — The passenger of the experimental plane that crashed in a field on the border of Centerville and Farmington last Thursday has died, the Davis County Sheriff’s Office confirmed late Monday night.

Jason Sorensen, 47, a retired sheriff’s office deputy and paramedic who currently worked as a Life Flight paramedic with Intermountain Healthcare, died shortly after 9 p.m., the department said.

The pilot of the plane, Andre Kostrzewa, 72, of Salt Lake City, died shortly after rescuers had flown him to University of Utah Hospital following the crash. Sorensen was also flown to the hospital and admitted in critical condition, where he was treated for severe burns and had both legs amputated below the knee.

Two bystanders who helped pull the two men from the crash site were also treated for injuries.

“Davis County Sheriff’s Office is hurting today,” Sheriff Kelly Sparks said in a news release. “Jason was universally loved. He had a huge impact on the lives of many people in Davis County and around the state. Jason was an important part of our sheriff's office family and we truly mourn his loss.

“We send our love and comfort to his wife, children, and family. We also express our gratitude for the compassionate care he has received from loved ones, medical professionals, and even strangers during his greatest time of need.”

The news release said Sorensen “spent his life saving others,” and that he was registered as an organ donor.

“On behalf of our entire Intermountain Life Flight family, we send our heartfelt prayers and thoughts to Jason’s family during this difficult time. We are so saddened by Jason’s passing,” said Intermountain Life Flight executive director Pamela Moore in a statement. “Jason was a terrific and dedicated paramedic, pilot, and public servant, and an even better husband, father, friend, colleague, and person. We will miss him terribly.”

The family has requested privacy at this time.

"He was a great neighbor and kind man," Rebekah Callor Grow wrote on the Kaysville Police Department's Facebook post announcing his passing. "Prayers are with his family right now. God bless them."

For the past 15 years, he had worked with Intermountain’s Life Flight team.

“During that time, Jason demonstrated his professionalism, commitment, and caring for the people who we served and cared for on a daily basis,” Moore said. “Jason will always be a member of our Life Flight family. We will carry his memory and the impact of his wonderful life forward as we continue to do the important work that Jason dedicated his life to, and the people who he worked so hard to help.”

Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.

A charitable donations account* has been set up in Sorensen’s name at America First Credit Union, No. 9116393, according to the Davis County Sheriff’s Office.

*Disclaimer: KSL.com has not verified the accuracy of the information provided with respect to the account nor does KSL.com assure that the monies deposited will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit or donation you should consult your own advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.

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