By EMS1 Staff
WARM SPRINGS, Ore. — A firefighter-paramedic died Sunday in a motorcycle crash after colliding with a bear.
CBS News reported that Bend Fire Department firefighter-paramedic Rhett Larsen, 39, was riding his motorcycle on a highway when he struck a bear after it ran onto the road, according to officials.
Larsen was thrown from his motorcycle and hit by an SUV that was driving in the opposite direction. Officials said he died at the scene.
The driver of the SUV was transported to the hospital in an unknown condition, and the bear died.
“Rhett was not only an exceptional firefighter, he was a loyal friend, respected mentor and loving father,” the Oregon State Fire Fighters Council said on Facebook. “The loss of such a fun-loving, energetic soul is felt deeply by both our department and our community.”
“He was a creative soul with a compassionate heart, an intelligent and well-loved team player. Rhett lived life to the fullest, and he loved his work as a firefighter-paramedic,” the Bend Fire Department said in a statement.
Click here to donate to the Rhett Larsen memorial fund.
https://www.facebook.com/ORfirefighters/posts/2137132899850036