Company: 2 dead in medical helicopter crash near Phoenix

PHOENIX — Officials say two people are dead after a medical helicopter crashed in rugged terrain east of Phoenix.

The aircraft company said early Wednesday that a third crew member is "safe," but did not elaborate.

Air Methods, which owns the company operating the aircraft, says the chopper was carrying a pilot, a paramedic and a nurse; no names were released.

Company spokeswoman Christina D. Brodsly says in an email that no patients were on board.

Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Ian Gregor told the Arizona Republic earlier that the chopper went down under unknown circumstances in Pinal County, about 55 miles east of Phoenix. It was headed to Globe, several miles further east.

No other details of the crash were immediately available.