Wife Remembers Pilot Killed in Yosemite Wildfire as 'Hero'
Nina Pacchia speaks about her husband, Ryan Cutter, who died battling the Dome Fire.
Mourners gathered to honor two fallen firefighters who died battling a wildfire in Yosemite National Park. Among them was Nina Pacchia, the wife of pilot Ryan Cutter, who remembered her husband for doing what he loved.
"I knew Ryan was doing what he loved. It’s very rare to find someone who loves what they do like Ryan did," Pacchia told The Park Record. She added that she felt embraced by the firefighting community following Cutter's death, noting that the support has extended to Kelly, the wife of the other pilot who died.
Cutter and fellow pilot Greg King were killed when their helicopter crashed while battling the Dome Fire, which ignited on Sept. 15. Cal Fire reported that the fire began around 7 a.m. and burned approximately 5,500 acres, leading to the closure of several trails within Yosemite National Park. On Sept. 30, it was revealed that an abandoned campfire sparked the blaze. As of Wednesday, the fire was more than one-third contained.
Pacchia and Cutter met in 2012, marrying in 2016. Cutter was already a helicopter pilot and had experience in BASE jumping, paragliding, and skydiving when they met. He transitioned from air medical services to firefighting aviation in 2017, pursuing a passion that had been his goal.
A procession was held for both Cutter and King in California, followed by separate services in their respective home states. A GoFundMe campaign established to support Cutter's wife has raised over $82,700, while a fundraiser for King's family has garnered more than $104,000.