A CAL FIRE/San Diego County firefighter died from an on-duty medical emergency Monday morning.
While on a training hike with his engine crew, firefighter Yaroslav Katkov, 29, suffered an undisclosed medical issue, a release from California Gov. Gavin Newsom stated. A sheriff's helicopter then flew him to Temecula Valley Hospital in Riverside County.
Katkov arrived at the hospital in critical condition, and he was later pronounced dead.
"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," Newsom said in a statement.
Katkov, of Escondido, joined CAL FIRE as a seasonal firefighter in August 2018. He is survived by his parents and a brother.
