Vanderbilt LifeFlight Honors Allan Williams One Year After Wilson County Helicopter Crash
The airline crew supports two injured colleagues and uses the phrase 'Be Their Allan' to guide patient care following the fatal accident.
By Lorenzo Evans ·
Vanderbilt LifeFlight commemorates the first anniversary of a helicopter crash in Wilson County, Tennessee, that killed flight nurse and paramedic Allan Williams. The organization is currently supporting the two other crew members who survived the accident with critical injuries.
The company shared a Facebook post on November 8 to mark one year since the incident. LifeFlight stated that it continues to assist critical care flight paramedic Andrew “Andy” Sikes and the aircraft’s pilot as they recover. The airline noted that the community support received over the past year is heartwarming and expressed gratitude to those who reached out.
LifeFlight has adopted the phrase “Be Their Allan” to honor Williams’ legacy. The organization says the phrase reminds crews of the positive impact they can have on patients. A statement from LifeFlight explained that Williams’ legacy as a clinician is remembered through the impression he left on every patient. The airline strives to honor that legacy during each patient interaction and stated that every flight and transport is done to honor the crew on aircraft N107VU.
The helicopter crashed in a field in Wilson County on November 8, 2025. The accident occurred shortly after the plane took off from Gallatin’s airport. Three crew members were aboard the aircraft, and no patients were on board at the time. Williams died in the crash, while Sikes and the pilot suffered critical injuries. Vanderbilt did not identify the pilot at the family’s request. The National Transportation Safety Board’s preliminary report indicated that the pilot suffered a medical emergency before the crash, according to previous coverage.
In June, Williams was among 37 EMS professionals honored in the Moving Honors procession. The event was organized by the National EMS Memorial Services for personnel who died in the line of duty. A friend remembered Williams’ dedication to helping others after the crash, and the national procession later honored his service.
