ROCHELLE, Ill. (AP) — A medical helicopter crashed in a northern Illinois field, killing the pilot and two nurses who were traveling between hospitals to pick up a patient, authorities said.

Rockford Memorial Hospital on Tuesday identified those killed as pilot Andy Olesen, 65, and flight nurses Karen Hollis, 48, and Jim Dillow, 40. It said the hospital was grieving for "three heroes who dedicated their careers to serving others."

No patients were aboard when the helicopter went down about 8:30 p.m. Monday near Rochelle, about 70 miles west of Chicago. Rockford hospital spokesman Wester Wuori said the helicopter was flying to pick up a patient at a Mendota hospital.