‘Honor Suzie with her final flight’: Procession announced for flight nurse Susan Smith by family

(FOX40.COM) — The family of Susan ‘Suzie’ Smith announced plans for a special procession to honor her on Sunday afternoon.

A REACH spokesperson said they will honor Suzie with her final flight at around 1 p.m. She will be flown from Sacramento to Red Bluff, where, at around 2 PM, she will be transported via ground ambulance to Palo Cedro.

From Red Bluff, there will be a procession of immediate family and numerous EMS and Law Enforcement escorting her home to Palo Cedro, officials said.

Authorities said the family advises that if the public wants to honor Suzie, and the numerous EMS agencies in Northern California, to feel free to tag along the route.

Officials ask the public to please do not stop on the freeway or block side streets.

At this time, the family is in the planning stages for a Celebration of Life in the near future, where the public will have an opportunity to pay their respects, according to a GMR spokesperson.

REACH released a statement on Saturday morning via social media announcing that Smith died from injuries sustained during the accident involving the medical helicopter that crashed on Highway 50 on Monday evening.

“We will remember Suzie as a pillar of the EMS and healthcare community who saved countless lives by delivering compassionate care in their darkest hours,” the REACH spokesperson said. “Suzie’s 50-year career as a nurse included nearly 21 years with REACH, and we are proud to call her our colleague and friend. We hope she is remembered for the light she brought to every call, every shift, and every patient she blessed with her care.”

Global Medical Responses shared with FOX40 via email a statement from Smith’s family stating “she has gone from this life into the waiting arms of her savior, Jesus Christ.”

“Suzie’s life was not wasted but poured out with purpose, courage, and deep intention. Her legacy reminds us to live boldly, love freely, and never hold back the good we can give when we follow Him.

We are so thankful for the rainbow that stretched across Redding last night, reminding us that God has promised His presence, His peace, and His comfort. Our family is deeply grateful to the community for the love, support, and prayers that have carried us through this difficult week. Thank you for partnering with God to bring comfort to our hearts.

We also extend heartfelt thanks to the doctors and staff at UC Davis Medical Center for their exceptional care, not only for Suzie, but for our entire family, and to REACH Air Medical Services for treating each of us as their own.“

In her honor, please spread kindness, love your neighbors, volunteer, lift up those in need and make every second count.”

At this time, the two other people who were involved in the crash remain in critical condition but are expected to recover.