A 27-year-old firefighter has died while battling the Big Swamp Fire outside of Oakridge.
Collin Hagan was struck by a tree while fighting the fire in steep terrain Wednesday afternoon. Emergency dispatchers sent ambulance and air medical services to his location, but despite lifesaving efforts, Hagan died from his injuries.
“We’ve had these unfortunate accidents occur, before," said Ed Hiatt, a Northwest Oregon Interagency fire staff officer. "This appears at this time, to be just a tragedy of course, with the loss of life, with just a freak tree accident. Folks did the best they could to take care of him, unfortunately he perished.”
Hagan's body was flown by helicopter to Roseburg, where firefighters from several agencies stood together to honor him and receive the body.
“We do an honor watch with honor guard to support the fallen, make sure they’re never unattended until we can get them back to their family," continued Hiatt. "The fire organization’s a very tight organization, and they will be there help and support the family in whatever means the family wishes.”
Hagan’s body is now in the care of a funeral home. He was with the Craig Interagency Hotshot Crew out of Colorado. He was originally from Toivola, Michigan. A number of agencies including the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Land Management, and U.S. Forest Service have expressed their sympathies to Hagan’s family.
A Serious Accident Investigation Team is being assembled.
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