Whereas, Survival Flight services provide a critically important benefit to the people of Michigan, offering rapid, lifesaving transport for patients in acute medical crisis, including the transport of critically ill or injured individuals, donor organs, and lifesaving equipment such as ECMO systems; and
Whereas, These services support health systems and residents across the state, delivering timely and specialized care that often determines the difference between life and death for Michigan’s patients; and
Whereas, On June 4, 2007, a Survival Flight aircraft tragically crashed into Lake Michigan while returning from an organ procurement mission in Milwaukee. Aboard the aircraft were six dedicated professionals, returning with donor lungs for a transplant candidate awaiting care at the University of Michigan Transplant Center. The six lives lost that day were: David Ashburn, M.D., Richard Chenault II, Dennis Hoyes, Rick LaPensee, Bill Serra, Martin Spoor, M.D. These exemplary individuals had committed their lives to the service of others—saving and improving lives through organ donation, critical care, aviation safety, and transplant surgery. Their selfless dedication represents the very highest values of the medical profession and public service. The Survival Flight and transplant communities were forever changed by this profound loss, which continues to be remembered with deep respect and gratitude; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare June 2-6, 2025, as Survival Flight Week in the state of Michigan. We recognize and celebrate the enduring impact of Survival Flight services and the ongoing sacrifices made by its team members in the service of health and humanity throughout Michigan; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the families of those lost, the leadership of Michigan Medicine, and the University of Michigan Transplant Center as a symbol of our enduring appreciation.
Co-sponsored by Reps.
Adopted in the House by voice vote
