On June 26, 2022, Doug was flying the air support for the fire crews on the ground at the Clear Fire in Alaska.
Unfortunately, that evening his helicopter crashed, and he was killed instantly.
Doug was an exceptionally skilled pilot and will be missed terribly by both the aviation and firefighting communities.
Doug was such a wonderful husband, father, and friend to so many.
He was always smiling and so full of life. Everyone always loved to be around him. He had such a beautiful spirit.
He loved to fly and was always the first in line to help in any way he could.
Doug left this earth doing exactly what he loved to do. He now flies with the angels.
I didn’t know Doug, but the people of Alaska are forever in his debt. He will not be forgotten.
– Mike MacansDoug was an amazing friend and always knew how to make me smile. He will always be a part of my heart.
– Darla FinleyCondolences to his family
– Carson LovelessI knew Doug back in the late eighties and early 90’s. He was a reservist in my helicopter ambulance unit called the 343rd medical detachment. He was a newly minted PFC 67N helicopter repairman and one of my junior mechanics. He flew Robinson R-22’s with a company in Concord co owned by a man named Ricky Krout who would later deploy to desert storm on 1990. Doug unfortunately did not deploy with us as he was only in our unit for a short time.Doug was an exceptional guy and was full of life and loved what he did. He was also a good friend and upon hearing of his passing I was deeply saddened to hear of his accident. But in retrospect it seems that he died doing what he loved to do and he will always be remembered for being a hero. Saving people and our beautiful forest resources from devastating wild fires. RIP Doug, you will be missed by many.
– Nils Primgaard