Support Wildland Firefighter Pilot Matt's Family
It is with a heavy heart that we announce that last Saturday, our friend and family member Jacqueline Ridley (Jacqy) and her children lost their provider and father figure, Matthew Miller (48), in a tragic accident.
Matthew was an experienced pilot, a flight instructor, and a proud and dedicated contract firefighter pilot for 21 years. He lost his life doing what he loved, flying and protecting communities from wildland fires. While helping to fight the Cedar Basin Fire in Arizona, Matt’s plane crashed, killing Matt and the fire marshal on board.
Matt was a kind, selfless man who loved serving others through his career as a pilot. He leaves behind his companion Jacqy and two children.
Due to online school during COVID, Jacqy has had to be at home with the children during the day. With the sudden passing of Matt, who was the family’s sole source of income, Jacqy finds herself in an impossible situation with no income and no way to keep their home or pay their bills. Since Matt was a contract pilot, he does not have the benefits afforded to government-funded firefighters. Jacqy is desperately searching for employment, but could really use our help in the meantime in order to get back on her feet at this tragic time.
We are trying to raise as much money as we can to assist Jacqy and the kids in the long road ahead. No amount of money can replace the love of her life, but if you would like to honor Matt’s memory by helping his family, feel free to contribute to this GoFundMe campaign.
If you can’t contribute, please keep Jacqy and the kids in your thoughts and prayers as they try and move on from this unexpected tragedy in their lives.
