Missouri Assistant Chief Dies During Water Rescue

By Bill Carey
8 July 2024

COLUMBIA, Mo. — Boone County Fire Protection District officials reported their assistant fire chief died during a water rescue in north Columbia.

Assistant Fire Chief Matt Tobben died on July 8 while assisting Columbia firefighters in rescuing two people from floodwaters near Bear Creek and Rangeline Roads, just north of Interstate 70, KSDK reported.

Tobben and a Columbia firefighter had rescued two people when the boat they were in lost power and capsized.

The cause of the incident is under investigation.

Image courtesy of Boone County Fire Protection District/Facebook.

Published by Data Not Drama

Data Not Drama is writings that provide a point of critical thought about firefighter fatality data and education, line of duty deaths, and risk. The main focus is to encourage less risk aversion and better knowledge on the subject of firefighter fatalities in firefighters, fire departments, and fire service organizations.

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