Matthew Goodnature - Firefighter - Oregon

Matthew Goodnature

Firefighter Matthew Goodnature, age 21, died in the line of duty on July 29, 2014, in the vicinity of Four Mile Lake, Oregon.

Matthew was employed by Pacific Oasis Wildland Firefighting based in Ashland, Oregon. This company does contract firefighting for the Forest Service. 

Matthew was at the scene of a wildland fire (entitled "the Launch Fire") in Klamath County.  He was on a break at about 6:30 p.m. and went for a walk away from his camp when he reportedly stepped on a rock, slipped and fell on a fallen tree.  He broke his lower back during the fall which led to his death. 

His crew searched for him but did not find him until three hours after the estimated time of the accident. His death is under investigation. 

Matthew was from Phoenix, Oregon.  He graduated from Phoenix High School in 2011.

Florian, Patron Saint of
Firefighters, pray for
Matthew and for those who
have lost him

He had recently moved from Portland to Medford, Oregon. 

This was his second season fighting wildland fires. Family members stated that he loved his job and his crew.

Matthew is described as a loving son.

Matthew's firefighting comrades are in mourning over the death of this young man. He will be forever remembered. 

Matthew's loved ones are devastated over his sudden and tragic death. He was just starting out in life. He will be forever mourned.

Matthew is survived by many loving comrades, friends and family members including his mother.

Thank you for your service to Oregon, Matthew.

Pray for the men who die at age 21.  Yesterday they were just boys. 

Pray for all who die by misadventure. They are with us one moment and are gone before we can say goodbye.

Pray that Matthew is in heaven. Pray that he is at peace and is with God. Amen.