Isabella Oscarson Obituary, Death; 26-Year-Old Firefighter Dies After Being Struck by Falling Tree While on Duty

Isabella Oscarson Obituary, Death; – A 26-year-old firefighter has tragically passed away after being struck by a tree while performing her duties.

Isabella Oscarson was “assisting with the U.S. Forest Service’s Tinker Bugs prescribed fire in the Nez Perce–Clearwater National Forests” in Idaho when the incident occurred, as reported by the Idaho Department of Lands in a news release.

The woman, characterized by the Idaho Department of Lands as “a seasonal employee from Minnesota,” was airlifted to Grangeville, where she succumbed to her injuries on Friday, Sept. 26.

Oscarson completed her education at Watertown High School in 2017 and subsequently obtained an associate’s degree, according to her obituary. She later became a member of the Minnesota Conservation Corps, serving as a Crew Leader, and subsequently worked for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources as a Fire Resource Lead.

Prior to her untimely death, Oscarson was in the process of pursuing a degree in Emergency Management and Homeland Security. She and her partner, Matt Becker, “the love of her life,” relocated to Stites, Idaho, in early 2025, where they began “working for the Idaho Department of Lands.”

The deceased firefighter fought wildfires in various locations, including Minnesota and Idaho, as well as Canada, “earning the respect and admiration of all who served alongside her,” according to a press release from Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s office.

Oscarson “enjoyed outdoor adventures, cooking, baking, crafting, gardening, and reading,” and “valued time spent with family and friends, sharing her joy, quiet faith, playful humor, and funky dance moves,” as noted in her obituary. She also authored a children’s book about firefighting, titled The Firebug.
Governor Walz has ordered all U.S. and Minnesota flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of Oscarson’s life on Saturday, Oct. 4. “Her courage, service, and compassion touched lives across Minnesota, Idaho, and beyond,” the governor remarked in a statement.

“Gwen and I extend our heartfelt condolences to her parents, her partner Matt, her siblings Anarosa, Jacob, and Sophia, as well as her family, colleagues, and friends,” Walz expressed.

Dustin Miller, director of the Idaho Department of Lands, said in a separate statement that the agency “extends its deepest sympathies to Isabella’s family and friends. This is a tragedy that hits the employees at Idaho Department of Lands and the broader wildland fire community extremely hard.”

He continued, “We are heartbroken and doing everything we can to support her family and our staff during this difficult time.”