Fire Chief’s Son Dies in Freak Farming Accident After Becoming Trapped

A small town in Kansas is mourning the loss of a beloved community member after a freak accident involving farm equipment.

Cole Matson, 21, died on Tuesday, July 8, at his family farm after a spraying rig malfunctioned and trapped him inside the machine, according to area news outlet Now 10-11 and his online obituary.

Cole was the youngest son of the Centralia Fire Department chief, and he was known to frequently volunteer at the station and always lend a helping hand to those in need, per the outlet.

Nate Engelken, the department’s assistant fire chief, told the outlet that Matson had become trapped between the machine’s axle and mainframe and that it took almost 30 minutes to get him out. 

The rescue was complicated by first responders not having a hydraulic rescue tool — often called a Jaws of Life — readily available. The tool is typically needed in incidents involving such heavy equipment.

“That to me is the worst part about this. We felt helpless and knew what we needed to do, but didn’t have the resources to do it,” Engelken said, before adding that he isn’t entirely sure that they could have saved Matson even with the tool.

“If anybody needed help, Cole was available, Cole was there to help,” Engelken went on to say, adding, “[His death] impacted a lot of people. He was well-known and popular. He didn’t know a stranger,” he added.

In his obituary, Matson’s family said that he will be remembered for “his kind heart, big smile and the unwavering love he had for those close to him.”

They also said that one of his greatest joys in life was spending time with his baby nephew, Braxton, and that he “found a loyal companion in his pup, Tator, a scrappy mix of bloodlines who became his faithful sidekick on every road, at every pasture, and the moments in-between.”

Matson was also “a dedicated member and volunteer of 4-H,” devoting “countless hours to support the next generation of 4-H youth,” according to his obituary.

“Cole’s life, though far too short, was lived with purpose, grit, and heart. He leaves behind not only memories but a legacy of hard work, love for agriculture, and deep devotion to family and a willingness to serve his community in quiet, powerful ways.”

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Matson is survived by his fiancée, Joee Bussmann, his parents, Dan and Jennifer Matson, his brother Alex (Shelby) Matson, his grandparents and “countless” extended family and friends who will remember him for “his generosity, humor, and the warmth he brought to every room — and every pasture,” per his obituary.

The Centralia Fire Department is holding a fundraiser in order to upgrade their emergency extrication equipment and hopefully prevent unnecessary fatalities. You can learn more about the fundraising effort, as well as how to donate, here.