Helicopter rotor injury claims Navy surgeon
MIRAMAR, Calif. – A Navy flight surgeon from Orange Park died Feb. 24 after being struck last Wednesday in a helicopter accident at Camp Pendleton, California.
Lt. James A. Mazzuchelli, 32, was struck by the tail rotor of a UH-1Y Venom helicopter around 6 p.m. on Feb. 21, according to a statement from the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.
Mazzuchelli was attached to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267, Marine Aircraft Group 39, stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Camp Pendleton.
“Mazzuchelli was an incredibly talented physician and sailor,” said Col. Matthew Mowery, commanding officer of MAG-39 in a statement. “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.”
First responders transported Mazzuchelli to the Scripps La Jolla Medical Facility for treatment and was in critical condition until he passed away just before 6 a.m. on Feb. 24.
“My heart goes out to our Sailor’s family as we support them through this difficult time,” said Maj. Gen. Mark Wise, commanding general of 3rd MAW.
Mazzuchelli, 32, a native of Orange Park, Florida, commissioned in the Navy in June 2010. He previously deployed with HMLA-267 to Japan in 2016 as part of the Unit Deployment Program.
The incident is currently under investigation.