Just before landing, at an estimated altitude of less than 100 feet, the helicopter mysteriously crashed. Despite extensive investigations, the cause of the crash remains unknown today. It was the first fatal accident involving an Iowa Health helicopter.

Aboard were pilot Nick Roetnor, nurses Hallie Elizabeth Burns and Maureen Faye Griffin.

Their mission that morning was to transport a patient with a serious heart condition to Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. All three were killed on impact.

Griffin was born in Webster City and has a number of relatives still living here. She spent two years attending St. Thomas school, but the family then moved to Buffalo Center.

A number of local firms cooperated in planning and placing the memorial. The boulder was donated by Peterson Construction; a bronze plaque was ordered through Boman Funeral Home, and paid for by Van Diest Medical Center. Brian Stroner coordinated the project on behalf of the City of Webster City.

The plaque reads as follows:

“On approach to Hamilton County Hospital to transport a heart patient, a Life Flight helicopter carrying pilot Nick Roetnor, 29, a Vietnam War veteran, and flight nurses Hallie Elizabeth Burns, 24, and Maureen Faye Griffin, 25, suffered mechanical failure and crashed just short of the hospital. All three gave their lives that day in a courageous effort to save another, a sacrifice that must never be forgotten.”

Some time after the accident, three trees were planted near the site of the former Hamilton County Hospital to commemorate those killed in the crash. Over time, the trees died.

The permanent materials used in the new memorial ensure it will survive for decades into the future — a reminder to never forget the health care providers who serve all as part of their life-giving mission every day.