Brian Massey, Kent firefighter, dies at 27 in fall on Alaska peak

Brian Massey wasn't a typical apprentice firefighter.

"He was enthusiastic and chose to do extra projects," Capt. Kyle Ohashi of the Kent Fire Department said of the North Bend man. "Apprentice firefighters like Brian have to take classes, and they have a huge notebook of things they need to work on. Nothing gets in the way of accomplishing that because it is the priority.

"Brian did all that and more."

"More" included a passion for the outdoors and mountain climbing, a sport he learned growing up in Colorado.

Mr. Massey died May 18 while climbing Mount McKinley in Alaska. He was 27.

He and Mizuki Takahashi fell about 8 p.m. on May 17 when they were near the 19,000-foot mark on the Upper West Rib climbing route. They were about 1,000 feet from the summit. A party of park rangers saw the accident and reached the climbers, who had been roped together, within 25 minutes after the fall.

Ms. Takahashi died at the scene. Mr. Massey was taken to the rangers' tent but died the next morning without regaining consciousness.

Four Kent firefighters flew to Alaska this week to accompany Mr. Massey's body back to the Seattle area.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends of those involved in this tragedy," said Michael Massey, Mr. Massey's younger brother. "Brian passed away doing what he loved. God grant that we all do likewise."

Mr. Massey was born June 28, 1979. He graduated from Regis Jesuit High School in Aurora, Colo., in 1997, and Gonzaga University in 2002. Mr. Massey previously had been a firefighter in Spokane County and earned his paramedic certificate at the College of Emergency Services in Woodland, Cowlitz County. He joined the Kent Fire Department in January 2005.

"I didn't work on an engine with Brian, but he and I taught Community Emergency Response Training together," Ohashi said. "It was unusual for an apprentice to do that."

Mr. Massey married Jessica Kyle in September 2006.

Besides his wife and brother, survivors include his parents, Linda and Stanley Massey Jr. of Centennial, Colo.

A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, May 26, at Faith Baptist Church, 25636 140th Ave. S.E., Kent.

A memorial fund has been established in Mr. Massey's name to help the family with expenses. Donations may be made at any Wells Fargo Bank or mailed to the Kent Fire Department at 24611 116th Ave. S.E., Kent, 98030.

Sherry Grindeland: 206-515-5633 or sgrindeland@seattletimes.com