New Mexico Family Sues Medical Helicopter Service After Man’s Death

The family of an Artesi, N.M., man who died while en route to the hospital is suing the medical transport helicopter service that transported him.

The Santa Fe New Mexican reported Saturday that an attorney for 64-year-old Michael Campbell’s widow has filed a wrongful death complaint in state District Court.

According to the complaint, Campbell went to a hospital Jan. 8 with a fever and difficulty breathing. Doctors recommended he go to an Albuquerque hospital.

The complaint accuses the medical team on a TriState CareFlight helicopter of not realizing they were low on oxygen until they were in the air.

The family says Campbell went into cardiac arrest and died as a result of negligence.

Campbell’s wife is also seeking punitive damages.

Officials at the Arizona-based company declined to comment.