Tim Hart, the smokejumper critically injured May 24 in a hard landing while parachuting into the Eicks Fire in New Mexico has passed away. Tim had been flown via air ambulance to a hospital in El Paso, Texas where he has been treated for the last 11 days.
The U.S. Forest Service announced the fatality today in an email sent by Laurel Beth McClean, Executive Assistant to FS Chief Vicki Christiansen, on behalf of the Chief.
“I am deeply saddened to share with you that Tim Hart, a smokejumper from the West Yellowstone Smokejumper Base in Montana, passed away last night as a result of injuries he sustained when jumping on the Eiks Fire in New Mexico on May 24.
“Tim grew up in Illinois and lived with his wife in Cody, Wyoming. During his firefighting career Tim was an Engine Crew Member on the Coconino, Fremont-Winema, and Shoshone National Forests. He was a Lead Firefighter on the Ashville and Ruby Mountain (with the BLM) Hotshot Crews. He moved to Grangeville, Idaho as a Rookie Smokejumper in 2016. In 2019, he transitioned to West Yellowstone and the Custer Gallatin National Forest first as a Squad Leader and then as a Spotter. His life touched many people across the Forest Service and the wildland fire community. He will be greatly missed.
“My heart goes out to Tim’s family, friends and colleagues, and I ask all of you to keep them in your thoughts and prayers. And, please continue to look out for each other. I draw my strength, every day, from the compassion and dedication each of you exhibit in service to our nation. During times of great loss, as we and our partners have experienced over the past week, we pause to reflect on the lives we have lost and the void that can never be filled – and we hold on to, and sustain each other.”
Condolences Mailing Address:
c/o Shoshone National Forest
808 Meadow Lane Ave., Cody, WY 82414
Shoshone National Forest will ensure families receive all condolences.
We send out our sincere condolences to Mr. Hart’s family, friends, and co-workers.
Another family member lost. Thanks so much for your service! Always in thoughts and prayers.
Will Send some aid based on address provided. Thanks Bill.
Pete Barry Arrowhead IHC a LONG time ago.
Desde Chile , mis condolencias para la familia, compañeros y amigos de Tim, trabajo hace muchos años en incendios forestales y he sufrido la triste experiencia de perder a cercanos colegas de oficio
Buen viaje Tim
First R.I.P. Mr. Timothy and condolences to the family dear heavenly father you got a good one today bless the family from here on out thank you jesus AMEN
To the rest of the men and women who put their lives in harm’s way thank you and God bless you…..
HAVE A SAFE SEASON ITS ONLY JUST BEGUN….
GODSPEED…..
So sorry to hear this. My condolences to Tim’s family. Very sad
My condolences to his family sending prayers for peace ✝️??I have a tender heart for our courageous firefighter.. my son was a firefighter in New Mexico and Wyoming God Bless you all ?
Here is a link to the GoFundMe site: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-smokejumper-tim-hart-his-family?utm_campaign=p_cp%20share-sheet&utm_medium=sms&utm_source=customer&fbclid=IwAR12ktoHv3rt0AY9YNuFEw1zaU_th5aUVlEnfQMwjd8vJL90XkJc3e5sIKo
I worked with Tim in the summer of 2008 on the Coconino NF. I’m disheartened by this news.
does the family need anything… ? is there a GoFundMe set up?
Bill, is there an address we can send the family and his WY brothers a card too?
Yes: I’ll add it to the article. Condolences Mailing Address:
c/o Shoshone National Forest
808 Meadow Lane Ave., Cody, WY 82414
Shoshone National Forest will ensure families receive all condolences.
Tim was based out of the West Yellowstone Smokejumper Base in MT, sorry but I don’t have that address. And at the time of his passing I believe operated out of the Silver City NM SMJ base in R-3.
He was a stand up guy…
“ A stand up guy” , The highest caliber of respect you can give a man. What a tragic loss. Cody Wyoming I’m sure has opened their arms wide to welcome their warrior home.. GOD bless family, friends and his crew.. ??✝️ Praying for piece and strength.
Sad they try hard to help condolences to his family
Our hearts go out to Tim’s family and friends. Such a loss. I’m not a SJ Bro – but I’ve lost a fire fighting Bro. Fair winds and blue skies Tim.
Another tragic loss.
Anyone know what the actual cause was, other than a “hard landing?”
Maybe that’s information the family is not wanting to share. Please show some respect for the family and crew who just lost someone special.
I dont believe it is a lack of respect, rather gaining an insight into causal factors that could prevent a reocurrence. Sincere condolences to family and collegues