Medical Center Hospital's air ambulance program, CareStar, suffered a tremendous setback on Sunday, March 21st when the Bell 407 helicopter crashed, killing 4 of the 5 aboard. The exact cause of the accident has not been formally identified, but articles in the Odessa American cite poor weather conditions and reduced visibility as obvious contributors.

A Memorial Service for those lost was held on March 22nd at 2 p.m. on the MCH Helipad.

Lone crash survivor, Ronald Stephens, RN, was taken to Covenant Hospital in Lubbock and is listed in stable condition.