MESA COUNTY, Colo. — A fourth wildland firefighter has died from injuries sustained in the burnover incident on the Knowles Fire in western Colorado, the U.S. Department of the Interior announced.
READ MORE: 3 firefighters killed, 2 injured in wildfire near Colorado-Utah state line
Nathan Matthews, 43, of Lincoln, Nebraska, died Friday, July 24, from injuries he suffered while responding to the fire on June 27. Matthews was assigned to the Rifle Helitack crew.
Matthews was one of five firefighters involved in the burnover while the crew engaged in initial attack operations on the Knowles Fire, which merged with other fires to become the Snyder Fire. Three firefighters died at the scene: Emily Barker, 38, of Clinton Township, Michigan; Nick Hutcherson, 27, of Glendale, Arizona; and Sydney Watson, 27, of Warrior, Alabama.
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READ MORE: 3 firefighters killed in Colorado remembered for their bravery
Matthews had been receiving medical care for burn injuries suffered during the incident before he died.
On Saturday, Denver7 spoke with Burk Minor, executive director of the Wildland Firefighter Foundation, who was by the Matthews family's side throughout his hospital stay.
The Wildland Firefighter Foundation is dedicated to supporting the families of fallen heroes.
"We have been with the Matthews family since day one, while they've been in the hospital, getting their travel, their accommodations, their lodging while they stayed with Nate," Minor said.
Minor described the toll the past weeks have taken on those closest to Matthews.
"The family has been through it for four weeks in the hospital like that, and to have this kind of ending, it's a catastrophe," Minor said.
Minor said Matthews spent a decade in wildland firefighting and that skiing was his other passion.
U.S. Wildland Fire Service Chief Brian Fennessy addressed the loss in a statement.
"This is another heartbreaking loss for our wildland fire family," Fennessy said.
Fennessy said the wildland fire community continues to grieve the three firefighters who died at the scene of the burnover.
"We mourn the loss of Nate while continuing to grieve the deaths of Emily, Nick and Sydney," Fennessy said. "Our hearts are with their families, friends, crewmates and everyone impacted by this tragedy. We remain committed to supporting those affected and honoring the legacy of all four firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation."
Colorado and Nebraska also addressed the loss in statements.
“I’m so saddened by the loss of Nathan Matthews," said Colorado Gov. Jared Polis in a statement. "His bravery, and the bravery of his colleagues, is the reason that so many of our homes, communities, and lands have been protected from the fires over the course of this season. Tragedies like this greatly impact all of the firefighters serving in Colorado and across the country, but know that you do not mourn alone. The State of Colorado mourns alongside you. My heart is with Nathan’s family and his colleagues, many who are still mourning the loss of Emily, Nick and Sydney. And to all the firefighters who continue working day and night to protect our state, you have our immense gratitude.”
U.S. Sen. Michael Bennett said, in part, in a statement: "Our hearts are with every family, every crew, and every community carrying this unimaginable loss. We will never take their service and sacrifice for granted."
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen also expressed gratitude for Matthews' service and sacrifice.
"Please join Suzanne and I in lifting up in prayer the family of Nathan Matthews, a 43-year-old firefighter from Lincoln, who lost his life from injuries he sustained while fighting wildfires in Colorado," Pillen said in the statement. "The sacrifices our wildland firefighters make are real, and we mourn the loss of Nathan. We are forever grateful for his service and sacrifice. May God be with his loved ones during this time."
There is a verified GoFundMe that's been started for Matthews' family.
A serious accident investigation team continues to review the circumstances surrounding the incident, according to the Department of the Interior.
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