The University of Michigan’s Survival Flight team is mourning the tragic loss of one of its own—Kurt Heinrich, a highly respected pilot, beloved colleague, and trusted friend—who passed away at the age of 46. The Howell resident leaves behind a legacy of professionalism, warmth, and dedication that has deeply impacted Michigan’s emergency medical aviation community.
Heinrich, a seasoned pilot with a long and distinguished aviation career, served the Survival Flight program with distinction. His career also included time with Quantum Helicopters, Papillon Helicopters, and Toledo Life Flight, reflecting a lifetime spent in service of others from the sky.
A graduate of Pinckney High School who later studied aviation at Quantum Helicopters, Heinrich was known not just for his skill in the cockpit but for his unmatched humor, joy, and camaraderie on the ground. Teammates describe him as the heart of every shift—someone whose laughter could lift the room and whose presence turned even the toughest days into bearable ones.
“There are no perfect words for a soul like his,” the Survival Flight team shared in a heartfelt statement. “He lit up every shift with his infectious laugh and endless stream of jokes. Work wasn’t just work when he was around—it was something to look forward to. He was more than a coworker. He was family.”
His absence has left an unmistakable silence in the hangar and a deep ache in the hearts of those who worked beside him. Yet, his spirit continues to soar in every mission flown and every life touched through his dedication to flight medicine.
Originally from Pinckney, Michigan, Heinrich lived in Howell with his wife, Kathryn. He was a cherished member of both his professional and local communities, remembered for his passion for flying and his devotion to those around him.
Friends, family, and colleagues are encouraged to share memories and tributes as the community comes together to celebrate the life of a man who made the skies safer and brighter for so many.
Fly high, Kurt. Your wings carry on in all of us. Funeral arrangements have not yet been publicly announced.