With profound sadness, we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Sophie Fleurquin, who tragically lost her life on February 11, 2026, during a helicopter training exercise. Her passing is an immeasurable loss to the medical community, her colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Dr. Fleurquin was just days away from celebrating her 31st birthday and preparing to sit for the hospital practitioner competitive examination. Her professional future was bright, firmly rooted in the Emergency Department of the University Hospital (CHU) of Clermont-Ferrand, where she had already distinguished herself as a dedicated and compassionate physician.
Arriving in Clermont-Ferrand in November 2019 from the University of Liège, she completed her residency in Auvergne during the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. During this critical time, she demonstrated remarkable resilience, skill, and commitment, developing a particular dedication to emergency medicine and crisis response. Her strong convictions, integrity, and leadership positively influenced patient care and strengthened the daily work of the medical teams around her.
Beyond her hospital responsibilities, Dr. Fleurquin generously devoted her expertise to numerous regional, national, and international sporting events. She contributed to medical teams for Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 football matches, rugby competitions, the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, and the Tour de France 2023. Her commitment to public service extended further when she joined SDIS 63 in July 2023 as a volunteer firefighter physician, proudly serving with the rank of Lieutenant.
Her passion for medicine and service defined her life. On that tragic day, the Emergency Department lost not only a rising star and valued colleague, but also a loyal and cherished friend.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to her parents, who were so proud of her dedication to this demanding profession; to her husband, Alexandre; and to her two sisters. We share in their grief and stand beside them in this time of profound sorrow.
We also extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Maxime Pillitieri, who lost his life in the same exercise. A sub-officer of the SDIS of Haute-Loire, a father of two children, and a specialist in high-risk rescue operations, his courage and service will likewise be remembered with deep respect and gratitude.
May their commitment and humanity never be forgotten.
