GREAT FALLS – Feb. 6, 2019 marks 12 years since a Mercy Flight crash took the lives of three people.
The crew was on their way to pick up a patient in Bozeman when their plane crashed north of Belgrade.
The victims included Mercy Flight pilot Vince Kirol, paramedic/firefighter Paul Erickson, and Benefis nurse Darcy Dengel.
As the community mourns and remembers these victims, their families are doing what they can to continue their legacies.
“She wanted to help people, wanted to help improve people’s lives,” said Darcy Dengel’s father, Rich.
Rich says they do many things to keep Darcy’s memory alive. One is supporting Darcy’s passion for nursing.
“She wanted to be a nurse ever since she was a little girl. That never wavered,” Rich said.
Their foundation, Darcy’s Place, helps nurses who graduated from a high school in Montana pursue a career in nursing.
“I can’t say enough about the applicants. Nursing applicants are phenomenal people,” Rich said.
Since starting the foundation in 2009, they have helped 125 students.
Rich says the foundation is one way to honor Darcy.
“She dearly loved what she was doing. If she could improve people’s lives, that’s what she did,” Rich said.
Rich recalls that right after the accident the community was extremely supportive. He recalls the letters and cards they received, some even remembering how Darcy saved lives.
“The Great Falls community was so wonderful after that accident. We had so many cards and letters saying how wonderful Darcy was when they were in the hospital or on a flight. Those people honored her. We still have those cards and letters and testaments of who Darcy helped,” Rich said.
Its been 12 years since we lost you, it never gets easier. Fly with the Angel's. Paul, Darcy and Vince.
Posted by Mercy Flight. Great Falls, Montana. on Wednesday, February 6, 2019
Reporting by Elizabeth Transue for MTN News
