Darci Lynne’s Tearful Tribute: A Heartfelt Call to Support California Helicopter Hero Chad Millward
Darci Lynne’s emotional response to Chad Millward’s helicopter crash has inspired a global wave of support for the heroic first responder. On October 10, 2025, during a moving interview on Good Morning America, 21-year-old ventriloquist and singer Darci Lynne broke down in tears while discussing the critical injuries sustained by former California Highway Patrol officer Chad Millward in a Sacramento helicopter crash. Lynne, known for her America’s Got Talent victory and soulful performances, not only offered prayers but also made a personal donation to the GoFundMe fund supporting Millward’s family, urging her millions of fans on X to contribute, writing, “He saved so many lives—now it’s our turn to help him live.” The post, paired with a photo of Millward in his CHP uniform, went viral, amassing over 600,000 likes and shares within hours.
Chad Millward’s heroic legacy during California’s wildfires underscores the urgency of supporting his recovery. The 60-year-old Palo Cedro resident, a 28-year CHP veteran and pilot, earned the Governor’s Public Safety Medal of Valor for his bravery during the 2017 Atlas Fire, which ravaged over 51,000 acres and claimed six lives. Alongside Flight Officer Paramedic Phil Agdeppa, Millward flew through 70 mph winds, smoke, and embers to personally rescue 15 people, including a pregnant woman, contributing to a total of 41 lives saved. His actions, praised by CHP as embodying “the highest ideals of this department,” make his current fight for survival deeply compelling.
The Sacramento helicopter crash on October 6, 2025, transformed Millward from rescuer to survivor in a tragic twist. Piloting a REACH Air Medical Services H130 helicopter, Millward had just delivered a patient to UC Davis Medical Center when an in-air emergency caused the craft to crash onto Highway 50 near Stockton Boulevard around 7 p.m. His quick maneuvers avoided colliding with traffic, a move fellow pilots credited with preventing further tragedy. Millward and paramedic Margaret “DeDe” Davis, 66, are in critical but stable condition, while nurse Susan “Suzie” Smith remains in unstable critical condition with severe brain swelling. Bystanders heroically lifted the wreckage to free Smith, echoing Millward’s own life-saving ethos.
Lynne’s personal connection to community service fueled her swift action for Millward. Known for her charitable work with youth and animal shelters, Lynne was deeply moved by Millward’s story, which she learned through news coverage. In the interview, her voice breaking, she said, “This man risked everything for strangers—now we’ve got to be his strength.” Her $5,000 donation to the family’s fund, which has raised over $170,000, was paired with her heartfelt plea: “When love fills the heart, hope always finds its way.” The message resonated, echoing the warmth of her performances with puppets like Petunia.
Lynne’s gesture has mobilized celebrities and fans, amplifying the call to support Millward’s recovery. Artists like Kelsea Ballerini and Pentatonix shared Lynne’s post, with Ballerini writing, “Darci’s heart is leading the way—praying for Chad.” REACH Air Medical praised the support, noting it will fund long-term rehabilitation for the crew. Millward’s Palo Cedro church community, where he was known for his kindness, held vigils, with friend Claudia Rogers telling KCRA, “Chad’s always helping—now we help him.” The fund’s rapid growth reflects a collective gratitude for first responders who risk everything.
Millward’s valor during the Atlas Fire exemplifies the courage Lynne seeks to honor. Amid the 2017 firestorm, which prompted a state of emergency under then-Governor Jerry Brown, Millward and Agdeppa flew six hours in treacherous conditions to evacuate the trapped. “One rescue that stays with me is a pregnant lady,” Millward said in a 2017 interview, his humility evident. His actions earned accolades from the California Peace Officer Association in 2018, cementing his legacy as a selfless hero whose courage continues to inspire.
The ongoing investigation into the crash highlights the risks faced by medical flight crews like Millward’s. The NTSB and FAA are probing the “in-air emergency,” with early reports suggesting mechanical failure, though Millward’s evasive actions spared lives below. REACH emphasized the crew’s dedication, stating, “They’re receiving the best care possible,” while Smith’s family expressed faith: “Sue’s a fighter, like Chad.” Millward’s stable condition offers hope, but his recovery will require extensive therapy, underscoring the need for continued support.
Lynne’s tears and donation remind us that compassion can bridge divides in a world often marked by indifference. By channeling her grief into action, Lynne has turned a personal moment into a global movement, showing how one young voice can rally thousands. As Millward fights for recovery in UC Davis, Lynne’s words—“Always Think of Him”—echo as a call to honor heroism with kindness. In a gesture filled with gratitude and heart, Darci Lynne proves that when a hero falters, the world can lift them up—one donation, one prayer, one song at a time.
