A tragic plane crash on August 5, 2023, near Chinle, Arizona, has claimed the lives of four individuals, including flight paramedic Nicholas Mancuso. The incident involved a medical transport aircraft operated by CSI Aviation from Albuquerque, New Mexico, and occurred close to the Chinle Airport, approximately 320 kilometers northeast of Flagstaff. Mancuso, aged 37, was on duty with two other medical personnel en route to a hospital to collect a patient.
Loved ones of Mancuso are coming forward to honor his legacy, describing him as a dedicated healthcare professional and a cherished friend. Lori Bigelow, a close friend, initiated a GoFundMe campaign to assist Mancuso’s wife, Ashley, in caring for their daughter, Lennyn, and his elderly mother. The campaign has successfully raised over $36,000, highlighting the support from the community during this difficult time.
Bigelow recalls the moment she learned about the crash. “I looked at my husband… I said, ‘Was there a plane crash today?’ He said, ‘Yes, why?’ I literally dropped my phone. I said, ‘Nick was on it.’ We lost it.” The emotional weight of the loss has been profound for those who knew him, including Clay Tabb, another healthcare professional. Tabb expressed his disbelief, saying, “I think I just kind of froze, honestly. This one… it hit me really hard.”
Mancuso’s friends remember him as a knowledgeable and caring medic, affectionately nicknamed “Nickipidea” for his expertise. He had recently celebrated his nine-year wedding anniversary with Ashley, who was described as the love of his life. “The only thing that was going to come between that was his little girl,” Tabb noted. His friends emphasized that everything Mancuso did was for his daughter, who is now left without her father.
According to those close to him, Mancuso was also a devoted caregiver to his elderly mother, Lili. Bigelow shared that he faced the challenges of caring for both his parents, which added to his responsibilities. “Nick was a huge caregiver for his mom… that’s going to be a huge burden on Ashley,” she said, expressing a desire to support the family in their time of need.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing, with both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) involved in determining the cause of the tragedy. As the community reflects on the loss of a dedicated paramedic and loving family man, the outpouring of support serves as a testament to Mancuso’s impact on those around him.
In the wake of this event, many are recognizing Mancuso as a true community hero, and efforts to support his family continue. His friends remain committed to honoring his memory and ensuring that Lennyn and Ashley receive the help they need as they navigate this profound loss.