Sugata Das, MD, a cardiologist at Yuma Regional Medical Center in Arizona, was the owner and pilot of the small plane that crashed in Santee, California, on Oct. 11. Two people died in the crash—Das and a Steve Krueger, a UPS driver who was approaching his retirement after three decades on the job.
NBC 7 in San Diego spoke with Bharat Magu, MD, chief medical officer at Yuma Regional Medical Center, to see how he and his colleagues were handling the tragic news.
Tw he said. “It’s almost a nightmare right now. It doesn't seem real.”
Magu noted that Das was a veteran cardiologist and an experienced pilot who had taken that exact flight path hundreds of times. He also had his own aviation company.
In fact, Das had so much passion for flying that it actually inspired Magu to get his own pilot’s license.
“We're all eager to know what exactly happened,” Magu told NBC 7. “It can happen to anyone … even very experienced people.”
Krueger’s loved ones and colleagues are also remembering him in the aftermath of this tragedy.
“We are heartbroken by the loss of our driver Steve Krueger, and extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends,” Matt Skeen, a UPS spokesperson, said in a statement shared by Fox 5 in San Diego. “Those who knew Steve said he took pride in his work, and his positive attitude and joyful laugh made the hardest days a little lighter. Steve was held in high regard and will be greatly missed.”
For more from NBC 7 and their conversation with Magu, click the link below:
Michael has more than 16 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.