High School Baseball Captain, 18, Chose to Fight Wildfires and Died Trying to Protect Others, Family Says

An 18-year-old parks worker has died while battling a wildfire near the New York and New Jersey state line.

New York State Police said Dariel Vasquez was fatally injured on Saturday, Nov. 9, while battling the fire in Sterling Forest State Park near Greenwood Lake.

The teen was fatally injured around 3:30 p.m. local time due to “a fallen tree in the vicinity of the fire,” according to a news release from the New York’s Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, which employed Vasquez.

Live-saving measures were attempted, but Vasquez’s employers said he could not be revived.

Family said Vasquez was a senior at Ramapo High School and captain of the school’s baseball team, according to a statement shared to a GoFundMe campaign for the victim’s family.

They also described Vazquez as “a young man full of promise, hope, and dedication” who inspired others “with his compassion, perseverance and respect for all.”

“His bravery and selflessness in those last moments were a reflection of his pure heart and unwavering commitment to others,” they added.

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Vazquez was also described as “a dedicated student,” “a gifted athlete” and “a leader among his classmates and teammates” in a statement shared by East Ramapo Central School District Superintendent Anthony DiCarlo, according to ABC affiliate WABC-TV.

Vasquez was expecting to start college “this coming January” and “had big dreams for the future,” according to his family.

The young man was “born into a family known for community service” and “embraced this legacy wholeheartedly,” they added in the statement shared on GoFundMe.

“We remember him as a true hero – someone who lived his life with purpose, who put others before himself, and who sought to bring hope and positivity wherever he went,” Vazquez’s family said.

More than $70,000 has been donated through the online fundraiser to support Vasquez’s family.

“As we grieve this unimaginable loss, we are overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from friends, family, and our community,” Vasquez’s family continued. “Your kindness and prayers have been a source of strength during this difficult time, and we are forever grateful.”

Both the NYSP and New York State Park Police are investigating Vasquez’s death, according to the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement that she is “deeply saddened” by Vazquez’s death, and offered prayers to “his family, friends and coworkers during this difficult time.” 

“I commend his dedication to serving and protecting his fellow New Yorkers, and his bravery on the front lines,” Hochul added, noting that New York crews are battling multiple wildfires that have cropped up due to ongoing dry conditions.