Community Mourns Nicholas Mancuso, Victim of Chinle Plane Crash

A tragic plane crash on August 5, 2023, near Chinle, Arizona, claimed the lives of four individuals, including flight paramedic Nicholas Mancuso. The aircraft, operated by CSI Aviation from Albuquerque, New Mexico, was transporting medical personnel to pick up a patient when it went down close to the Chinle Airport, approximately 200 miles northeast of Flagstaff.

In the aftermath of the incident, loved ones have come forward to share memories of Mancuso, who was deeply embedded in his community and known for his dedication to his family and work. Friends described him as a committed and knowledgeable medic, often referred to as “Nickipidea” for his extensive medical knowledge.

Community Response and Support

Mancuso’s friends, Lori Bigelow and Clay Tabb, expressed their shock and grief over his sudden passing. Bigelow initiated a GoFundMe campaign to support Mancuso’s family, raising over $36,000 to assist his wife, Ashley, in caring for their four-year-old daughter, Lennyn, and Mancuso’s elderly mother.

Bigelow recounted the moment she learned of the crash, saying, “I looked at my husband… I said, ‘Nick was on it.’ We lost it.” The emotional toll of the tragedy has resonated deeply within the healthcare community. Tabb, who has worked in the field for 13 years, stated, “This one… it hit me really hard.”

Mancuso recently celebrated his nine-year wedding anniversary, and his friends highlighted the importance of family in his life. Tabb remarked, “Ashley was Nick’s life. The only thing that was going to come between that was his little girl.”

A Lasting Legacy

Mancuso’s commitment extended beyond his immediate family. According to friends, he was a significant caregiver for his mother, Lili, who lives approximately 45 minutes away from his family. This responsibility adds to the challenges Ashley will face following the loss of her husband.

Bigelow emphasized that community support for Mancuso’s family showcases the impact he had on those around him. “I have no words,” she said. “I think it just goes to show he’s a true community hero.”

The investigation into the crash is ongoing, with both the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) involved in detailing the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.

As the community gathers to honor Mancuso’s life, friends and family reflect on a man who dedicated himself to helping others, leaving a profound legacy that will not be forgotten.