Life Flight Paramedic Injured In Plane Crash Dies
Jun 30, 2020, 12:10 AM | Updated: 11:22 pm
FARMINGTON, Utah – An Intermountain Life Flight paramedic who was critically injured in a plane crash near Centerville has died, according to officials with the Davis County Sheriff’s Office.
Officials said Jason Sorensen, who had served as a paramedic and pilot for the sheriff’s office, died Monday night.
“Davis County Sheriff’s Office is hurting today,” said Sheriff Kelly Sparks. “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.”
Sorensen was critically injured after an experimental plane crashed near Legacy Parkway in Centerville on June 25.
The pilot of the aircraft was killed in the crash. Sorensen was transported by his coworkers to an area hospital with serious burns and injuries.
Officials said the injuries and burns “were insurmountable” and claimed Sorensen’s life.
“Sorensen spent his life saving others and his efforts will continue” as officials said his organs will be donated to others in need.
“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. Jason was a terrific and dedicated paramedic, pilot and public servant, and an even better husband, father, friend, colleague and person,” said Pamela Moore, executive director of Intermountain Life Flight. “We will miss him terribly. Jason was a member of our Intermountain Life Flight team and family for 15 years. During that time, Jason demonstrated his professionalism, commitment and caring for the people who we served and cared for on a daily basis.
“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.”
It’s not an easy job to be a first responder, nor is it easy to respond to a plane crash that involves your co-worker and best friend.
“I was notified it was Jason Sorensen before I got into the ambulance,” Davis County Lieutenant Jason Boydston said.
Boydston was working on the Intermountain Life Flight crew the day of the crash. He walked up to the scene knowing who was in the plane.
“I felt like this is the worst day ever. It just felt like a bad dream,” Boydston said.
When it came to fostering relationships with law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and the public, Boydston says Sorensen was the best. He said it takes a special person to be able to strike up a conversation with any person on an emergency call, and make them feel safe.
“I can’t think of anyone having anything bad to say about him,” Boydston said about his friend of 20+ years.
On Tuesday, Boydston met the brothers who pulled his friend and the pilot, Andre Kostrzewa, from the wreck near Legacy Parkway. Lyle and Brad Berglund sustained minor physical injuries from their heroic actions, and they said it’s been challenging to recover mentally from the traumatic event.
“When someone’s life is on the line, it’s a yes for me,” Brad Berglund said about running into the flames of the plane crash.
Boydston says the Berglund brothers gave him a fighting chance.
“Because of them, he got to say goodbye to his family.”
Funeral services will be announced later this week or next week.
A charitable account has been established at America First Credit Union — Jason Sorensen Charitable Account No. 9116393.
