Medical helicopter crashes into water off Santa Catalina Island

(NBC, KYMA) - A medical helicopter has crashed into the water off Santa Catalina Island, with multiple people rescued and at least one person still missing.

The REACH Air Medical Services helicopter went down near Pebbly Beach, close to the helipad, shortly after 7:50 p.m. Wednesday, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Authorities said at least four people were pulled from the aircraft and the water and taken to the hospital.

Officials have since confirmed that two of the four people recovered from the crash site have died from their injuries.

At least one person remains missing, and search and rescue operations are underway.

"Right now, we're being told that the patient is the one who is unaccounted for, and that's what the current search and rescue case is ongoing," said Cmdr. Mark Leahey, U.S. Coast Guard.