Fourth firefighter has died after deadly June fire
Jul 26, 2026, 7:56 PM
Wildland firefighter Nathan Matthews, seen here in a photo posted with a GoFundMe account benefitting his family, died nearly a month after he was injured while fighting a fire on the Utah/Colorado state line. (Photo: Matthews Family)
(Photo: Matthews Family)
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — Nearly a month after three firefighters were killed fighting a fire on the Utah/Colorado state line, a fourth wildland firefighter has died as a result of his injuries.
In a news release, the U.S. Department of the Interior identified the firefighter who died as Nathan Matthews, 43, from Lincoln, Nebraska.
The Interior Department says five firefighters in all were caught up in the burnover that resulted in the deaths of Emily Barker, Nick Hutcherson and Sydney Watson on June 27. Matthews had been receiving treatment for burn injuries suffered that day. The fifth firefighter was not identified.
Related: Identities of 3 firefighters killed in Utah wildfires are released
U.S. Wildland Fire Service Chief Brian Fennessy called the loss of Matthews “heartbreaking.”
“We mourn the loss of Nate while continuing to grieve the deaths of Emily, Nick and Sydney. Our hearts are with their families, friends, crewmates and everyone impacted by this tragedy,” Fennessy said in the news release. “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.”
A GoFundMe account shared by Matthews’s brother, Nicholas, described Nathan Matthews as a dedicated wildland firefighter who loved the outdoors.
“He dedicated his life to protecting the wilderness he loved, and found a second family within the firefighter community,” his brother wrote.
The circumstances of the June 27 burnover are still being investigated.
The Interior Department did not immediately announce funeral plans for Matthews.
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