LEWISTON, Idaho -- The U.S. Forest Service says a 20-year-old firefighter was killed when she was struck by a falling tree while working on a wildfire in northern Idaho.
The Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest says Anne Veseth from Moscow was struck Sunday afternoon when one tree fell and crashed into another tree, causing it to fall, too.
This was Veseth's second season as a firefighter.
She was working on the Steep Corner fire that's burned about 43 acres near Orofino when the snag struck her.
Veseth comes from a family of wildland firefighters; her older brother also works as a Forest Service firefighter in Idaho.
There will be a formal investigation into her death.
Veseth was a full-time student at Lewis-Clark State College. She enrolled in fall 2010 as a Foundation Scholar. Veseth graduated with honors in May 2012, and received an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Businesses Administration.
Veseth was also the secretary/treasurer of the Auto Mechanics Club.
"The campus is in shock. We are mourning the loss of an outstanding student,” said Greg Meyer, College Communications.
The 20-year-old graduated with high honors from Moscow High School in 2010, where she earned a 3.933 grade point average.
Moscow High School Principal Bob Celebrezze said Anne was a member of the Student Council and the “Bear Buddies” program, which helps young kids in the school district who are at risk.
“Anne was a student leader, a kind hearted caring person who would help whoever she could. She was a giver,” Celebrezze said. “It is just a terrible tragedy for the family the community it brought sadness to my heart.”
Veseth was a recipient of the Idaho Professional-Technical Education Foundation’s Robert R. Lee Promise Scholarship. IPTEF said Veseth’s selection for the $3,000 scholarship was due in part to her dedication and strong work ethic.
Services for Anne Veseth will be held Saturday, August 18 in Moscow.
