Sailor/surgeon who died of helicopter rotor injury identified

UPDATE: 11:37 a.m., Feb. 25, 2018

CAMP PENDLETON – A 32-year-old Navy sailor and flight surgeon who died after being struck by a spinning helicopter blade at Camp Pendleton was identified today, Sunday, Feb. 25.

Lt. James E. Mazzuchelli was a flight surgeon assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267, Marine Aircraft Group 39, according to a statement issued by military officials.

“My heart goes out to our Sailor and his family as we support them through this difficult time,'' Maj. Gen. Mark Wise said.

Mazzuchelli was a native of Orange Park, Florida and was commissioned in the Navy in June 2010. He was deployed to Japan in 2016.

“Lt. James Mazzuchelli was an incredibly talented physician and sailor,'' said Col. Matthew Mowery, commander of MAG-39. “His contagious enthusiasm, motivation and love for the Marines and sailors of HMLA-267 and MAG-39 has been evident in the outpouring of grief at his loss and the support being shown to his family and close friends.

“His willingness to join the Navy and elect to serve faithfully with the Marines should give a sense of pride to all of us who serve our country that we are surrounded by heroes every day. James and his contribution to our Corps will be sorely missed,'' Mowery continued.

The accident occurred around 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21. The sailor was struck

by a spinning UH-1Y ``Venom'' tail rotor blade, according to 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing public affairs.

Paramedics took Mazzuchelli to Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, where he was pronounced dead at about 5:45 a.m. Saturday – a little more than two days after the incident.

The incident remains under investigation.

UPDATE: 12:15 p.m., Feb. 24, 2018

CAMP PENDLETON – A Navy sailor who was struck by a spinning helicopter blade at Camp Pendleton has died, military authorities said today, Saturday, Feb. 24.

The accident occurred around 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21. The sailor was struck by a spinning UH-1Y ``Venom'' tail rotor blade, according to 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing public affairs.

Paramedics took the victim to Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, where the sailor was pronounced dead at about 5:45 a.m. today – a little more than two days after the incident.

Officials said the name of the victim would not be immediately released, pending notification of his or her family.

The incident remains under investigation.

Friday, Feb. 23

CAMP PENDLETON – A Navy sailor was in a hospital in critical condition today after being struck by a spinning helicopter tail-rotor blade at Camp Pendleton, military authorities reported.

The accident at the Marine Corps station near Oceanside occurred Wednesday evening, according to 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing public affairs.

The UH-1Y "Venom'' utility aircraft was on a flight deck at the time of the accident, which took place shortly after 6 p.m.

The name of the victim, who is assigned to the 3rd MAW, was not released.

An investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing, according to the air wing.