[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 133 (Monday, August 17, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E789]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                  HONORING THE LIFE OF NATHAN MATTHEWS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JEFF HURD

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, August 17, 2026

  Mr. HURD of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of 
Nathan Matthews, a wildland firefighter who gave his life protecting 
western Colorado.
  Nate was serving with the Rifle Helitack crew on June 28, 2026, when 
the Knowles Fire suddenly overtook his team during initial attack 
operations in Mesa County.
  Three of his fellow firefighters--Emily Barker, Nick Hutcherson, and 
Sydney Watson--were killed that day.
  Nate survived the burnover and fought for nearly a month, but on July 
25, 2026, he succumbed to his injuries. He was 43 years old.
  Wildland firefighters go toward danger when everyone else is trying 
to get away. Nate did that for people he had never met, in a community 
far from his own.
  His courage, and the courage of those who served beside him, deserves 
our lasting gratitude.
  May God bless Nate's family, his crew, and all who mourn him.

                          ____________________