Nick Van Dam Obituary, Death; – The Murdo volunteer firefighter who tragically lost his life in an accident while responding to a grass fire has been named. Nick Van Dam, aged thirty-seven, was on his way to the fire on Saturday evening, July 26, when the firetruck veered off the road, rolled over, and ejected him, as reported by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety. He succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
The incident took place approximately four miles north of Draper. At the time, Van Dam was operating a 1989 Ford Fire Tender. The South Dakota Highway Patrol is currently conducting an investigation into the accident. All information available at this time is preliminary.
According to the South Dakota Local Assistance State Team (LAST), Van Dam had been a member of the Murdo Volunteer Fire Department for eight years and had served as captain for the past six years. He was a passionate outdoorsman with a love for sports, particularly golf. Van Dam was employed as the parts and service manager at Murdo Car Sales. He epitomized the ideal family man, relishing the moments spent attending his children’s sporting events and academic functions. He is survived by his wife and four children.
Funeral services for Van Dam are scheduled to take place at 1 p.m. on Friday, August 1, 2025, at the Harold Thune Auditorium in Murdo.
