Family speaks out for first time after sailor from Orange Park killed in tragic accident

MORE: Navy officer from Orange Park struck, killed by helicopter blade

The family of Navy flight surgeon Lt. James Mazzuchelli is speaking for the first time about the loss of their son.

Mazzuchelli was killed in a tragic accident when he was hit by a helicopter rotor in February.

“That smile says it all that smile of him in his flight suit about to be in the air just tells the whole story for him," said DaCid Cheers, Mazzuchelli's stepfather.

While navy Lt. James Mazzuchelli’s life may have ended serving our country, but his story, isn’t finished.

Mazzuchelli was killed in a tragic accident while working at Camp Pendleton in San Diego last week.

The incident is currently under investigation, right now the family wants to focus on how James lived.

A Clay High School graduate, he loved to surf, and he loved to serve his country.

The 32-year-old spent his life saving others working as a flight surgeon.

Mazzuchelli’s stepfather says he lost not only a son, but a best friend, and even though James is gone, he is living through others in organ donations.

“James has found a way to continue to touch people’s lives even though he’s not with us anymore," Cheers said.

Cheers says Lt.. Mazzuchelli died doing what he loved, and that he and James’ mother and father are thankful for the support from the community during his homecoming this past weekend.

“That was overwhelming and if I could say one thing to the community it would be thank you," said Cheers.

Mazzuchelli will be laid to rest Friday, the family asks instead of flowers to donate to the Semper Fi Foundation or United Network for Organ Sharing​.

Cox Media Group