Brenna Kulikowski, Damon Thompson Obituary, Death – Authorities in Arizona are mourning the loss of three lives, including two firefighters, after a devastating crash late Sunday night. The accident occurred around 10:15 p.m. on State Route 260, between Heber-Overgaard and Show Low, when an ambulance from the Timber Mesa Fire and Medical District collided head-on with another vehicle.
According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS), the initial investigation revealed that a passenger vehicle traveling westbound crossed over the center line into the eastbound lane. The vehicle struck the ambulance head-on, causing what officials described as catastrophic damage. Timber Mesa Fire and Medical District Chief Randy Chevalier characterized the scene as “horrific,” underscoring the violent impact of the collision.
Inside the ambulance were two Timber Mesa firefighters returning to Show Low after completing a medical transport. They had just finished transferring a patient to a Phoenix-area facility and were on their way back to their base when the crash occurred. Tragically, both firefighters, along with the driver of the other vehicle, were pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders.
The firefighters have since been identified as 31-year-old Brenna Kulikowski and 21-year-old Damon Thompson. Kulikowski had been a member of the department for three years and was highly respected for her skills and compassion as a paramedic. Chief Chevalier described her as “top-notch” and praised her dedication to patients and her community. Thompson, the younger of the two, was nearing the completion of his first year of service with Timber Mesa. His parents shared that firefighting was his lifelong dream, and Chief Chevalier emphasized that he had already proven himself to be “a dang good firefighter.”
The loss of both firefighters has deeply shaken the department and the surrounding community. The White Mountain Firefighters Association has launched a fundraiser to provide support for the families of Kulikowski and Thompson, while a separate GoFundMe has been created specifically for Thompson’s family. The outpouring of support reflects the widespread grief and recognition of the sacrifices made by first responders.
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs also issued a statement expressing her condolences. “I’m heartbroken to learn two brave firefighters lost their lives in a tragic crash near Show Low,” she said. “These heroes dedicated themselves to protecting our communities, and my thoughts are with their families, loved ones, and fellow first responders during this difficult time.”
The identity of the driver of the other vehicle has not yet been released, as officials continue working to notify family members. DPS has confirmed that the crash remains under active investigation, with authorities examining factors that may have led the car to cross the center line.
For Timber Mesa Fire and Medical District, the tragedy marks a profound loss of two promising firefighters whose commitment and service left a lasting impact. As investigations continue, the department, their families, and the broader community are left to grieve the sudden loss of lives dedicated to saving others.
