‘Wired to be a first responder’: Firefighter killed in Jasper identified as army veteran

A young firefighter killed while battling wildfires in Jasper National Park has been publicly identified.

On Thursday, the Jasper branch of the Royal Canadian Legion (RCL) said it was 24-year-old Morgan Kitchen who was killed by a falling tree on Aug. 3, 2024.

Kitchen was a member of Alberta Wildfire and had previously served in both the Canadian Armed Forces and British Royal Marines.

The post from the Jasper RCL called Kitchen a bold and brilliant personality with a nimble wit and “encyclopedic knowledge” of a wide range of topics.

While he went by many nicknames, like Mack, Kitch and Mo, the statement said the fallen firefighter was 100% authentic.

“For those who got him, he was a much-loved character who brought streams of adventure, joy and fun. He wanted deep connection and his intensity sometimes overwhelmed,” the statement said.

“He gave the best hugs, taking delight in lifting his victims six feet in the air. He was loyal and tenacious. He was generous and hospitable. He was the least materialistic person.”

It went on to say Kitchen was a talented athlete, musician, singer, comedian and actor, and could have been a gifted teacher, but he was “wired to be a first responder.”

“The photos and stories his crew shared of his last few months reflect a genuinely happy man doing what he loved in a place as wild and free as he was.”

Kitchen, who celebrated his 24th birthday less than two weeks before his death on July 23, is survived by his father Robert, mother Joni, stepparents Marielle and Colin, and siblings Katie, Ryder, Peri, Charlotte, Clotilde and Clement.