Indian Creek Fire Hit by Rock Fatality 1924

Forest Service firefighters Ed Pfingsten and Forest Ranger Richard Galt spotted smoke from a lookout point and estimated the fire location to be near Indian Creek in the White Mountains, Lincoln National Forest, New Mexico. Access to the remote fire was extremely difficult, and while hiking in rugged and steep terrain, Pfingsten was swept down a hillside when a rocky cliff collapsed directly above him. Pfingsten's leg was critically injured and bleeding profusely, and Ranger Galt provided first aid before leaving for help. A group of rescuers including a doctor returned to Pfingsten the following day, and he was stabilized for a long carryout. The men was carried back out to the hospital in Fort Stanton, a journey which took two full days. He died shortly afterward in the hospital on August 27, 1924.

Richard Galt remained a ranger for the Forest Service, and was struck and killed by lightning while on duty in 1945. 

Hit by Rock, Fatality, Initial Attack