A Colorado wildland firefighter working a wildfire in Douglas County died after being hit by a falling tree Wednesday afternoon, officials said.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office announced the tragic passing in a Facebook post on Thursday morning.
“It is a sad day in public safety,” said Sheriff John Hanlin. “On behalf of the men and women of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, I extend my heartfelt sympathies to Firefighter Hagan’s family, friends, co-workers and all who knew this brave young man.” Just after 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, officials say medical personnel responded to a report that a firefighter, 27-year-old Collin Hagan — was seriously hurt by a fallen tree. The sheriff’s office said Hagan died despite medics’ life-saving efforts.
Hagan and his fire crew came from Craig, Colorado, to help firefighters battle the Big Swamp Fire burning near Oakridge, Oregon, according to authorities.