Teddy Swims’ Tearful Tribute: A Soulful Call to Support California Helicopter Hero Chad Millward
Teddy Swims’ emotional response to Chad Millward’s helicopter crash has ignited a global wave of support for the heroic first responder. On October 10, 2025, during a heartfelt interview on The Kelly Clarkson Show, R&B and soul sensation Teddy Swims, 33, broke down in tears while discussing the critical injuries sustained by former California Highway Patrol officer Chad Millward in a Sacramento helicopter crash. Swims, known for his raw vocals and hits like “Lose Control,” not only offered prayers but also made a personal donation to the GoFundMe fund supporting Millward’s family, urging his 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 700,000 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 devastated 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, lauded 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, turned 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.
Swims’ personal connection to everyday heroes fueled his swift action for Millward. A longtime supporter of community initiatives through his music’s proceeds, Swims was deeply moved by Millward’s story, which he learned about through news coverage. In the interview, his voice breaking, he said, “This man put his life on the line for strangers—now we’ve got to be there for him.” His $15,000 donation to the family’s fund, which has raised over $180,000, was paired with his soulful plea: “When music touches the heart, kindness always finds its way.” The message resonated, echoing the emotional depth of his chart-topping ballads.
Swims’ gesture has mobilized celebrities and fans, amplifying the call to support Millward’s recovery. Artists like Jelly Roll, a frequent collaborator, retweeted Swims’ post, writing, “Teddy’s right—heroes like Chad deserve our all.” 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 as “a quiet hero,” held vigils, with friend Claudia Rogers telling KCRA, “Chad’s always giving—now we give back.” 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 Swims 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 shining through. 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.
Swims’ tears and donation remind us that compassion can bridge divides in a world often marked by indifference. By channeling his grief into action, Swims has turned a personal moment into a global movement, showing how one voice can rally thousands. As Millward fights for recovery in UC Davis, Swims’ words—“Always Think of Him”—echo as a call to honor heroism with kindness. In a gesture filled with heart and gratitude, Teddy Swims proves that when a hero falters, the world can lift them up—one donation, one prayer, one song at a time.
