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Blood Drive Supports Flight For Life Crew After Crash

FRISCO, Colo. (CBS4)- Volunteers knew they would get a nice turnout for a community blood drive in honor of the two Flight For Life crew members who were hurt in the July 3 helicopter crash, but they didn't think they would get this kind of response.

"We didn't have enough spaces had to add more chairs and spaces," said blood drive organizer Asa Armstrong.

Donors gathered Tuesday at the blood drive at St. Anthony Medical Center in Frisco.
The special community-organized Bonfils blood drives honored the crew involved in the Flight For Life helicopter crash. The pilot, Patrick Mahany, 64, was critically injured and did not survive his injuries. Two nurses were injured.

Dave Repsher
Dave Repsher (credit: Repsher family)

"This community and country is great because when there are horrible things that happen, everyone comes together," said blood donor Austyn Williams.

Family friends tell CBS 4 that flight paramedic Dave Repsher has undergone multiple surgeries and "has a very long road ahead of him still."

"We have gone down, been with family, asked David's mom what can we do to help and she said, 'Asa, give blood,'" said Armstrong.

COPTER CREW BLOOD DRIVE 5PKG_frame_2441
The Flight for Life blood drive in Frisco (credit: CBS)

Friends say the other flight nurse on board, Matt Bowe has been released from the hospital and recovering at home.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the NTSB and few new details have been released. Flight for Life began flying life-saving missions with a replacement "Lifeguard Two" helicopter based out of Frisco shortly after the crash.

Frisco Flight For Life Fatal Helicopter Crash Memorial
(credit: Matt Kroschel)

There will be another blood drive to honor the Flight For Life crew at MTech Mechanical,July 30 from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at 12300 Pecos St. in Westminster.

Extra appointment times have been added because the demand is so great.

Anyone wishing to honor the Flight for Life crew may also donate at any of Bonfils' community donor centers and mention group #A887.

Bonfils Blood Center and Flight for Life Colorado have long been lifesaving partners and our thoughts are with all those touched by this tragedy.

helicopter crash frisco flight for life
The Flight for Life garage at St. Anthony's Summit Medical Center in Frisco (credit: CBS)

The blood drive in Frisco was expected to wrap up at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday but was still going on after 5 p.m.

Bonfils officials said appointments are preferred to walk-ins so please call Bonfils' Appointment Center at 303. 363.2300 or 800.365.0006 or visit bonfils.org.

Matt Kroschel covers news throughout Colorado working from the CBS4 Mountain Newsroom. Send story ideas to mrkroschel@cbs.com and connect with him on Twitter @Matt_Kroschel.

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