Advertising

The Seattle Times Company

NWjobs | NWautos | NWhomes | NWsource | Free Classifieds | seattletimes.com

The Seattle Times

Local News


Our network sites seattletimes.com | Advanced

Originally published May 24, 2007 at 12:00 AM | Page modified May 24, 2007 at 3:25 AM

E-mail article     Print view

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," said Capt. Kyle Ohashi of the...

Seattle Times Eastside bureau

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.

advertising

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

Copyright © 2007 The Seattle Times Company

NEW - 11:36 PM
DNA, ballistics tie man to cop killing, police say

NEW - 11:28 PM
Greenwood merchants nervous after 3 more arsons

NEW - 12:54 AM
UW to honor war heroes with Medal of Honor shrine

Nicole Brodeur: Praise pours on the water man

Soldier from Whatcom County is killed in Afghanistan

Advertising

Video

Ken Auletta talks about "Googled"
Ken Auletta talks about Google with Brier Dudley at the Seattle Central Library.

Medal of Honor
Pelosi answers questions at Swedish Medical Center
Pelosi speaks at Swedish Medical Center
"Pistol" Pete Ryan
Mourners gather at KeyArena for slain officer's memorial
Procession for slain SPD officer
Election Night: Approve R-71
Election Night: Reject R-71
Election Night: Joe Mallahan

Marketplace

nwautos

2009's most fuel-efficient sedansnew
Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment

Open Houses

Find this weekend's open house listings.
Or search by location:

 
Most read
Most commented
Most e-mailed
 
 
Advertising