Indian Creek Fire Hit by Rock Fatality 1924

On August 23, 1924, U.S. Forest Service firefighters Ed Pfingsten and Forest Ranger Richard Galt spotted smoke from a lookout point. They estimated the fire's location to be near Indian Creek in the White Mountains in the Lincoln National Forest, New Mexico. Access to this remote fire was extremely difficult. 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. Ranger Galt provided first aid before leaving for help. The next day, a group of rescuers, including a doctor, returned to Pfingsten. He was stabilized for a long carryout. Pfingsten was carried back out to the hospital in Fort Stanton--a journey which took two full days. The day after arriving at the hospital, Pfingsten died.

The next year, Richard Galt, who remained a ranger with the Forest Service, was struck and killed by lightning while on duty. 

Hit by Rock, Fatality, Initial Attack