PORTLAND, Ore. — Two Oregon family members have confirmed their sons were among those killed when a helicopter carrying 11 firefighters and 2 pilots crashed in Northern California.

9 of the thirteen people on board were presumed dead; four others were injured.

Both of the confirmed dead are from Southern Oregon: David Steele of Ashland and Matthew Hammer of Grants Pass.

Both worked for Grayback Forestry, 1 of the largest contract firefighting companies in Oregon.

Steele's father says his son was a hero, who died protecting others.

Family members say he had wanted to be a firefighter for years, even going on ride-alongs to learn about his future job.

Steele, a graduate of Ashland High School, was taking firefighting and EMT classes at Central Oregon Community College, and working for Grayback to pay his tuition.

Hammer's family declined immediate comment, saying their grief was too intense to speak out about their son.