Sac State nursing instructor dies in plane crash
Professor Clay Abajian was volunteering as part of an Angel Flight
Courtesy of Sac State Nursing
Clay Abajian, Sac State professor of nursing. Abajian died in a plane crash on Thursday.
November 16, 2018
Sacramento State President Robert Nelsen announced Friday that Clay Abajian, nursing professor at Sac State, died in a plane crash Thursday in Redding, California.
Nelsen originally said on Twitter that Abajian was volunteering to help those affected by the Camp Fire in Butte County.
Nelsen later clarified and corrected his tweet to say that Abajian had actually been volunteering for an Angel Flight to transport a passenger in need of medical treatment.
Abajian was one of two fatalities in the crash of a Cessna 182K Skylane, registration number N2629R, at 10:45 p.m. Thursday, according to a report from the Federal Aviation Administration. The report states that the plane hit the ground due to an unknown circumstance.
Nelsen said services for Abajian are scheduled at 7 p.m. Friday night at the Faith Episcopal Church in Cameron Park, California located at 2200 Country Club Drive.
Correction: This story originally cited a tweet from Nelsen that incorrectly said Abajian was volunteering in connection to the Camp Fire. This story has been updated to reflect a correction made by Nelsen.
John Minjoulet • Dec 1, 2018 at 4:06 pm
I’ve been retired now for three years and I’m very sad to hear that Clay has passed, Clay always took time to listen to me, walk with me down the halls of UCDMC. Always upbeat and such a noble man, working in the lab he would come by the drop off window of the lab always speaking kind words.Rest in Peace Brother you will be missed! God Bless You! Your Friend John Minjoulet.
Bill Wennhold • Nov 19, 2018 at 10:10 pm
I worked with Clay at Foothill Ambulance in the 1980’s. He was compassionate about his patients back then and fun to work with. I know he was a great instructor and great nurse. He will be missed by many.
Alice Haines • Nov 18, 2018 at 7:41 pm
So sad to hear of Clay’s passing. I went to nursing school with him and we graduated in 1985. I recently reconnected with him professionally and I was so happy to catch up. He was a role model when in nursing school and always had a smile on his face. He will be fondly remembered.
Kathryn Mongeau • Nov 18, 2018 at 9:40 am
I worked with Clay at UCD- I would work beside him in The ICU when either he or I would float to each others units
Worked with him when he as an axiom nurses
And again with his student when he became a professor
Such an amazing person, man, coworker , nurse
Taken Too soon….. but perfect in Gods plan
Thank you Clay
Healing for his family
Robert Wright • Nov 17, 2018 at 5:25 pm
Excellent nurse, compassionate friend, caring soul. Rest in peace. God bless your family.
Anne H. Moore • Nov 16, 2018 at 10:29 pm
A TRAGIC loss to the community. Clay was a kind person with a delightful wit. He will be missed.
Karen Warne • Nov 16, 2018 at 8:54 pm
Clay was a nurse that combined expertise and compassion, representing Nursing at its best. May God bless and comfort his family…
Wendell Alderson • Nov 16, 2018 at 6:24 pm
I worked with Clay at UCDMC.
So very sorry to hear of his passing.
He was a very well respected nurse at the hospital by patients and staff alike.