GRAND CANYON JUNCTION, Ariz. — Firefighter/Equipment Operator J. Hank Hester, 70, of Priest River, Idaho, died in the line of duty after collapsing while performing suppression repair on the Dragon Bravo Fire near the Grand Canyon’s North Rim.
The United States Fire Administration said paramedics initiated CPR at the scene on Sept. 8, but Hester could not be resuscitated. The suspected cause of death is a cardiovascular emergency.
Officials said Hester was actively supporting hazard tree removal operations when the emergency occurred. His wife, Janet Hester, described him as a firefighter, logger and entrepreneur, but above all a family man, KREM reported.
“A couple of weeks ago, I told him I strive to be like him in my life,” she said. “I said my goal in life is to be as good of a person as you are.”
GoFundMe: Honoring Hank Hester: Fallen Wildland Firefighter
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February 11, 2026 02:57 PM
