CHINLE, Ariz. — A tragic plane crash on August 5 claimed the lives of four individuals, including flight paramedic Nicholas Mancuso, while en route to provide medical assistance on the Navajo Nation. The incident involved a medical transport aircraft operated by CSI Aviation, based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and occurred near the Chinle Airport, approximately 200 miles northeast of Flagstaff.
Friends and family members are coming together to honor Mancuso, who was 37 years old at the time of his death. Lori Bigelow, a close friend, described him as a “true community hero.” In a heartfelt effort to support Mancuso’s family, she established a GoFundMe campaign, which has already raised over $36,000 to assist his wife, Ashley Mancuso, and their four-year-old daughter, Lennyn Mancuso.
Bigelow recounted the moment she learned of the crash, recalling her shock when her husband confirmed that Mancuso was on board. “I literally dropped my phone,” she shared. “We lost it.” The unexpected loss has left a profound impact on her and the local community, highlighting the emotional toll of such tragedies.
Mancuso was well-regarded among his peers in the healthcare sector. Clay Tabb, a fellow healthcare professional, expressed disbelief upon hearing the news of the crash. “I think I just kind of froze, honestly,” he stated. “This one… it hit me really hard.” He characterized Mancuso as a dedicated and knowledgeable flight paramedic, affectionately nicknamed “Nickipidea” for his extensive medical knowledge.
The flight paramedic had recently celebrated his nine-year wedding anniversary with Ashley, whom Tabb described as the love of his life. “The only thing that was going to come between that was his little girl,” he noted, emphasizing Mancuso’s deep devotion to his family.
In addition to being a dedicated father and husband, Mancuso played a significant role as a caregiver for his elderly mother, Lili Mancuso. Friends revealed that he often balanced the responsibilities of caring for both his parents, which weighed heavily on him. “It’s going to be a huge burden on Ashley,” Bigelow remarked, highlighting the challenges ahead for Mancuso’s family after this devastating loss.
The GoFundMe campaign aims to alleviate some of the financial pressures faced by Mancuso’s family during this difficult time. Bigelow expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from the community, saying, “I have no words. It just goes to show he’s a true community hero.”
Both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are currently investigating the crash to determine the cause of the tragic event. As the investigation unfolds, the community continues to rally around Mancuso’s family, remembering a man who dedicated his life to helping others.
