US sailor killed by helicopter blade was a flight surgeon
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The military says a U.S. sailor who died after he was struck by a helicopter blade at a Southern California base was a flight surgeon from Florida.
Officials say Navy Lt. James A. Mazzuchelli died at a hospital Saturday after being hit three days earlier by the spinning tail rotor of a Venom helicopter at the Camp Pendleton Marine Corps base.
A statement Sunday said the 32-year-old from Orange Park, Florida, joined the Navy in 2010. He was assigned to Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267, Marine Aircraft Group 39, at Camp Pendleton.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Col. Matthew Mowery called Mazzuchelli a talented physician who was well-liked for his enthusiasm and passion.
Officials did not release details on how the accident happened. An investigation is ongoing.