A Duke University Health System helicopter went down on Friday, resulting in the death of four people on board in Perquimans County, North Carolina.

The helicopter was in the process of transferring a patient to the hospital and tragically crashed. The first responders who passed away in this accident spent their lives saving others. They have witnessed horrible scenes of pain and suffering that many of us will never experience in our lifetimes — yet they were there for people in their most difficult moments of life.

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“We are in the process of directly confirming information related to this incident and will share more information as it becomes available,” said Sarah Avery, a spokeswoman for Duke Health officials.

“Heartfelt thoughts and prayers for all families affected by this tragic incident,” Durham County Emergency Management Director Jim Groves wrote on Twitter. “The response community in Durham is saddened.”

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These Duke Life Flight helicopters usually have a pilot on board and two trained critical care providers to help patients on their journey to the hospital.

Giving back and helping others was a fundamental part of these individuals’ lives. The strength of character and selfish nature of their job should be remembered and honored.

While the names of these victims have not yet been released, this news is an opportunity to realize and be grateful for the silent, heroic work of so many first responders around the country — and around the world.