The pilot killed in the medical helicopter crash was a veteran airman who was dedicated to saving lives.

Marc Gann, 63, was killed when Life Saver 4 out of Sylacauga crashed and caught fire Sunday evening in Shelby County.

He and two other crew members were onboard when the Eurocopter EC130 helicopter medevac went down off U.S. 280.

Gann and registered nurse, 43-year-old Samuel Russell, were killed.

Medic Amanda Daniels remains hospitalized in critical but stable condition.

“Marc lived by the motto, ‘It’s not the destination but the journey,’’’ said his wife, Brenda Gann.

“His journey involved a life dedicating his service to saving soldiers, saving lives and making a difference in this world.”

Gann served more than 20 years in the U.S. Army where he was an attack helicopter pilot with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4. He was also a former Army Ranger.

The father of three joined the Life Saver crew in 2007. He flew the first flight out of Life Saver 4.

“Marc loved his family, co-workers and community,’’ his wife said.

She said she is thankful for the outpouring of love and support. Funeral arrangements have not been finalized.

Investigators with the NTSB and FAA were arriving at the scene Monday – on Bear Creek Road in the area of Mountain Oaks Drive.

NTSB spokesman Keith Holloway said investigators will begin to document the scene, examine the aircraft, request any air traffic communications, radar data, weather reports and try to contact any witnesses.

Also, Holloway said, investigators will request maintenance records of the aircraft, and medical records and flight history of the pilot.

The crash, according to NTSB, happened at 5:55 p.m.

A preliminary report may be available in about 10 to 12 business days. A typical NTSB investigation can take 12 to 24 months to complete and determine cause.

Shelby County Chief Deputy Clay Hammac said the ordeal began about 5:30 p.m. when the Life Saver helicopter was requested to assist the extraction of a patient who had been hiking in the area and suffered breathing problems and chest pains.

Deputies had set up a landing area for the helicopter.

A deputy then called 911 to report the helicopter had crashed.

One of the crew members was pronounced dead on the scene. Two others were taken to the hospital where a second crew member was pronounced dead.

The original patient – the hiker – was transported separately to a hospital.

“Our deputies did the best they could to render aid,” Hammac said. “The helicopter was on fire.”

“They did attempt to extract the flight crew and we’re very thankful for the help of our Chelsea Fire Department as well as the Cahaba Valley Fire Department which responded to the scene,” he said.

Chelsea Mayor Tony Picklesimer said that whenever first responders answer that type of call, they know there is a possibility of something very bad happening.

“It was an outcome that none of us want,’’ Picklesimer said.

“This flight crew on Lifesaver, they’re heroes and so our hearts go out to the families of these two flight members and a heartfelt thanks to my heroes, Chelsea Fire and Rescue and the deputies that responded,” the mayor said.

“Please remember these families that will be left behind and that have to deal with this tragic event.

Hammac called it a difficult time for those in the public safety profession.

“We count ourselves as family of all first responders, fire, medical and law enforcement,” the chief deputy said.

“Many of us in this profession know these individuals who were involved so this affects us very deeply.”