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Thomas Hayes

Pilot

On Thursday, July 21, 2022, Pilots Thomas Hayes and Jared Bird were fighting the Moose fire in Idaho when their helicopter crashed into the Salmon River. Both pilots were transported to the hospital, but died from their injuries a short time later. 

Fatality status is provisional and may change as USFA contacts State Fire Marshals to verify fatality incident information.

Department information

Salmon-Challis National Forest
1206 S Challis ST
Salmon, Idaho 83467

Chief: Forest Supervisor Charles A. Mark

Age: 41
Rank: Pilot
Classification: Wildland Contract
Incident date: July 21, 2022 4:45 p.m.
Date of death: July 21, 2022
Cause of death: Vehicle Collision - Includes Aircraft
Nature of death: Trauma
Activity type: Advance Hose Lines/Fire Attack (includes Wildland)
Emergency duty: Yes
Duty type: On-Scene Fire
Fixed property use: Outdoor Property

Last updated: August 05, 2022