In memory of Pilot Christopher Andersen
USDA Forest Service, Cleveland National Forest · San Diego, CA
Christopher Andersen, Pilot of USDA Forest Service, Cleveland National Forest, a firefighter / EMS, died in the line of duty on August 7, 2026 in San Diego, CA.
Record
- Rank: Pilot
- Department: USDA Forest Service, Cleveland National Forest
- Location: San Diego, CA
- End of watch: August 7, 2026
- Nature of death: Trauma
- Years of service: 40
- Age: 64
Circumstances
On the morning of August 7, 2026, Pilot Christopher Andersen, along with Pilot Miles Elliott, was piloting a helicopter engaged in water dropping near the Widemouth 2 Fire (approximately 12 miles south of Kanosh, Utah). Contact was lost with the helicopter at 10:41 a.m. A search later confirmed that the helicopter had crashed after wreckage was found. Both pilots did not survive the crash.
This record appears on the RESPONDin line-of-duty memorial wall, a public remembrance of first responders who died in the line of duty. Source: usfa import.