Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
Jill Atwood Reporting...A huge turnout this afternoon at Brighton High School to remember Life Flight pilot Brent Cowley, who died in a helicopter crash last Saturday.
Today's memorial service gave those close to Cowley the opportunity to speak, and to be close to others also struggling with his death.
Everyone who saves lives for a living becomes extremely close. Today was one final chance for all of them to say goodbye -- at Brent Cowley's ‘last call.’
For the Life Flight crews the recent crashes have changed everything. They will never forget ...
Vicki Kershaw/Operations Officer, IHC: "WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THAT SOMETHING WOULD CAUSE THE HELICOPTER TO SPIN OUT OF CONTROL SHORTLY AFTER TAKE-OFF."
... But they are more focused, and more appreciative of the work they are able to do.
Denise Ward/Life Flight Nurse & Crash Survivor: "I HAVE GAINED AN EVEN GREATER APPRECIATION FOR THE KNOWLEDGE OF OUR PILOTS MECHANICS AND EVERYONE INVOLVED IN THE REMARKABLE WORK WE DO AND WE WILL CONTINUE TO DO IT...WITH HONOR."
Crammed into the Brighton High School auditorium were those who save lives, and those who have had their lives saved.
Brent Cowley's wife and family are overwhelmed by love and support, and seem to be okay.
Cheryl Cowley/Brent Cowley's Wife: "ONCE IN A WHILE I FELT MYSELF FEELING JEALOUS OF HIS LIFEFLIGHT FAMILY BECAUSE AFTER SOME OF THOSE THRILLING EXPERIENCES LIKE GETTING HIS LOCKER RANSACKED... FINGERNAILS PAINTED WHILE TRYING TO SLEEP HIS HELMET DECORATED."
But despite the brief levity the tears keep coming for Cowley. But each day they say it will get a little easier.
Of course the investigation into the crash continues. The search for a missing piece of the tail rotor will take place tomorrow. Finding it will hopefully provide some answers as to what happened.
No word yet on when Life Flight will take to the skies again.
