Family, Friends Remember Man Killed In Helicopter Crash

By ABC-7 Reporter Veronique Masterson

El Paso, Texas – It was a somber goodbye Wednesdayfor one of the men killed in a helicopter crash at McGregor Range last week.

It came as questions still linger about what caused the accident.

As the NTSB continues it’s investigation a community is in mourning. Family, friends and even those who didn’t know Anthony Archuleta said goodbye.

“It’s just trying to do our part to support the family and support the family of the firefighter,” said El Paso firefighter Aldo Padilla, who didn’t know Anthony Archuleta.

Dozens of others in the emergency services community joined Padilla in mourning Archuleta. With lights flashing on ambulances and trucks, first responders joined forces.

“Obviously, it’s one of those days,” Padilla said. “It’s where everybody comes together to try to support. It’s a very tight-knit brotherhood, the fire department. Different agencies getting together to support (each other).”

Encouragement and comfort for Anthony’s wife Kim, their sons, and his extended family – co-workers at Southwest MEDEVAC, the company Anthony worked for as a flight paramedic.

During Wednesday’s procession, two American flags attached to ladders on trucks hung on both sides of the street.

Inside Martin Funeral Home, snapshots of Anthony with those he loved most.

His family surrounded by those fortunate enough to have shared in his dream of making a difference.

During the service, Chaplain Kevin Hobhn said, “The people that worked with Anthony were impressed and I would say blessed, the flight people may not say that word but I will, by the fact that he never judged people but rather chose to work with them and be one with them. Not to be above them but to be their teammate.”

Fort Bliss has had a contract with Southwest since 2005.

The Med Evac helicopter Archuleta was in, is one of two aircrafts provided by Southwest to the post.