REDDING, Calif — Families are gathering for the holiday season, but for some, heartbreak sits at the table. The family of Susan "Suzie" Smith, the medical flight nurse who died from her injuries after last month’s helicopter crash on Highway 50, is working through their first holidays without her.

Her son, Gabriel Smith, said the season carries a new weight.

“We are holding up the best we can right now," said Gabriel Smith. "My mom prepared us for a lot for this.”

Gabriel said his mom lived with purpose and joy. He remembered dancing with her at Disneyland and the way she made sure her family had memories to hold onto. That mattered even more this year, as the family gathered for Thanksgiving on Sunday because so many of them are first responders.

“That absence is definitely felt,”

See Full Page