Obituaries
De Luz Firefighter Dies After Medical Emergency While Training
Yaroslav Katkov, 29, of Escondido, was airlifted to Temecula Valley Hospital, where he died Monday morning.
![Yaroslav Katkov, 29, of Escondido, suffered a medical emergency during a training hike with his engine crew, according to Cal Fire.](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/54855/20190729/073922/styles/patch_image/public/ff-yaro-katkov___29193903102.jpg)
TEMECULA, CA — A Cal Fire San Diego firefighter died Monday in Temecula after suffering a medical emergency while training, Cal Fire officials announced.
Yaroslav Katkov, 29, of Escondido, suffered a medical emergency during a training hike with his engine crew Sunday, according to Cal Fire. Katkov was airlifted to Temecula Valley Hospital in Riverside County, where he died Monday morning.
Cal Fire Chief Thom Porter said he was "deeply saddened" to report the loss.
Find out what's happening in Temeculawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"Please join me in keeping Yaro and his loved ones in your thoughts," Porter said.
Katkov was assigned to Cal Fire San Diego Fire Station 16 in the community of De Luz, an unincorporated community in North San Diego County. He started his career with Cal Fire as a seasonal firefighter in August 2018.
Find out what's happening in Temeculawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"On behalf of all Californians, Jennifer and I extend our sincere condolences to Cal Fire Firefighter Yaroslav Katkov's family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time," Gov. Gavin Newsom said. "It's the work of brave firefighters like Yaroslav that keep our communities safe, and we are deeply grateful for his service."
Katkov is survived by his mother, father and brother.
My deepest condolences to the Katkov family and CALFIRE San Diego Unit! https://t.co/deHNJwXACO
— CAL FIRE Chief Thom Porter (@CALFIRE_CHIEF) July 29, 2019
We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Fire Fighter Yaroslav Katkov out of the CAL FIRE San Diego Unit. Please join us in keeping his friends and family in our thoughts during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/xhAjAlOO7b
— CAL FIRE (@CAL_FIRE) July 29, 2019
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