On August 5, 2023, a tragic plane crash claimed the lives of four individuals on board a medical transport plane operated by CSI Aviation. The incident occurred near the Chinle Airport, located approximately 320 kilometers northeast of Flagstaff, Arizona. Among the deceased was flight paramedic Nicholas Mancuso, who was en route to assist a patient at a local hospital.
As the community grapples with the loss, those closest to Mancuso are sharing their memories and paying tribute to his life and dedication. Lori Bigelow, a close friend, expressed her heartbreak during an interview, saying, “Nick was a true community hero.” In response to the tragedy, she initiated a GoFundMe campaign to support Mancuso’s wife, Ashley Mancuso, and their four-year-old daughter, Lennyn. The campaign has raised over $36,000 to assist the family during this difficult time.
Bigelow recounted the moment she learned of the crash. “I looked at my husband and asked if there was a plane crash today. When he confirmed, I dropped my phone. I said, ‘Nick was on it.’ We lost it.” The shock of the news has left a profound impact on friends and family, as they struggle to come to terms with the sudden loss.
The crash has deeply affected Mancuso’s colleagues in the healthcare field. Clay Tabb, a fellow paramedic, described the emotional toll of the incident. “I think I just kind of froze,” he said. “You think you’re ready for loss, but this one hit me really hard.”
Mancuso was known for his intelligence and commitment to his work. Friends affectionately referred to him as “Nickipidea” for his extensive knowledge in the field. “He always had the right answer,” Bigelow said. Mancuso recently celebrated his nine-year wedding anniversary with Ashley, who was the center of his world. Tabb noted, “Ashley was Nick’s life. The only thing that could come between them was his little girl.”
The couple’s daughter, Lennyn, was a source of immense joy for Mancuso. “Everything we’re doing right now is for Lenny,” Bigelow emphasized. “All of the things that were for him originally became for her.”
In addition to being a devoted husband and father, Mancuso was a caregiver for his elderly mother, Lili. Friends noted that his commitment to family was unwavering, even as he balanced the demands of his profession. “Nick was a huge caregiver for his mom,” Bigelow explained, highlighting the burden that now falls on Ashley in the wake of his passing.
The community has rallied around Mancuso’s family, demonstrating the impact he had on those around him. “I have no words,” Bigelow said, reflecting on the overwhelming support. “It just goes to show he’s a true community hero.”
The investigation into the crash is ongoing, with both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) looking into the circumstances surrounding the incident. As the community mourns, it also stands united in honoring the legacy of Nicholas Mancuso and supporting his family during this challenging time.
