Federal Aviation Administration

Jose Luis Cano Olivas

A flight nurse died after falling from a hoist on a medical helicopter as she rescued a woman who had fallen in an Austin hiking area Monday night.[[301527281,L]]

Kristin McClain, 46, became detached from the hoist and fell an undetermined number of feet while pulling the stranded woman into the EC-145 helicopter at about 9:50 p.m., according to a news release from STAR Flight, McClain's employer who provides aerial emergency medical services.

McClain died at the scene.

The hiker had fallen near the Barton Creek Greenbelt in the 2600 block of Barton Hills Drive at about 8:25 p.m. She was taken to University Medical Center-Brackenridge with injuries that were not life threatening.

McClain had been with the company for seven years, STAR Flight Program Director Casey Ping said during a Tuesday press briefing.

 
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We are saddened to say that a STAR Flight crew member lost her life while conducting a rescue.On April 27, STAR Flight...

Posted by Travis County STAR Flight on Monday, April 27, 2015

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Kristin's family and friends during this difficult time," STAR Flight officials stated in a release. "She will be greatly missed."

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The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the incident.

Further details were not released.

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