Disasters & Accidents

Identity Of Firefighter Killed At Middle Fork Complex Released

KLCC | By Brian Bull
Published August 24, 2021 at 2:46 PM PDT
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Brian Bull

Authorities have released the name of a firefighter killed in the line of duty yesterday at the Middle Fork Complex.

56 year-old Frumencio Ruiz Carapia of Medford was on the eastern edge of the Gales Fire when he was hit by a falling tree.

An investigation shows the tree unexpectedly snapped and fell, and was not due to any active tree-cutting operations.

Efforts to help Ruiz Carapia were unsuccessful; he died on scene of his injuries.  In a release, the Lane County Sheriff’s Office says it’s deeply saddened by the tragic event.

Copyright 2021, KLCC. 

Disasters & AccidentsLane County SheriffMiddle Fork Complexgales firefrumencio ruiz carapia
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Brian Bull
Brian Bull is an assistant professor of journalism at the University of Oregon, and remains a contributor to the KLCC news department. He began working with KLCC in June 2016.   In his 27+ years as a public media journalist, he's worked at NPR, Twin Cities Public Television, South Dakota Public Broadcasting, Wisconsin Public Radio, and ideastream in Cleveland. His reporting has netted dozens of accolades, including four national Edward R. Murrow Awards (22 regional),  the Ohio Associated Press' Best Reporter Award, Best Radio Reporter from  the Native American Journalists Association, and the PRNDI/NEFE Award for Excellence in Consumer Finance Reporting.
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