2 firefighters among those killed in ‘horrific’ head-on crash with ambulance 

NAVAJO COUNTY, Ariz. (KPHO/Gray News) — Three people, including two firefighters in Arizona, are dead after a late Sunday night crash.

Troopers with the Arizona Department of Public Safety said they responded to the crash that involved an ambulance and another vehicle around 10:15 p.m. on State Route 260 between Heber-Overgaard and Show Low.

An initial investigation by DPS found that the passenger vehicle was driving westbound, crossed over the center line into the opposite lane, and crashed head-on into a Timber Mesa Fire District ambulance.

“Head-on collision, extreme damage ... it was horrific,” Timber Mesa Fire and Medical District Chief Randy Chevalier said.

Two firefighters were inside the ambulance at the time of the crash.

Both firefighters, along with the other driver, were pronounced dead at the scene, a DPS spokesperson said.

According to Chevalier, the firefighters were headed back to Show Low after dropping off a patient at a Phoenix-area facility for an interfacility transport when they were hit.

The two firefighters were identified as 31-year-old Brenna Kulikowski and 21-year-old Damon Thompson. Officials said Kulikowski had been with the department for three years, while Thompson was 15 days shy of finishing his first year.

“[Brenna] was certainly top-notch and such a compassionate person and a fantastic paramedic,” Chevalier said. “Damon’s parents said Damon always wanted to be a firefighter and he was a dang good firefighter.”

The White Mountain Firefighters Association has established a fundraiser to support both firefighters.

A GoFundMe has also been set up for Thompson.

“I’m heartbroken to learn two brave firefighters lost their lives in a tragic crash near Show Low,” Gov. Katie Hobbs shared in a statement. “These heroes dedicated themselves to protecting our communities, and my thoughts are with their families, loved ones, and fellow first responders during this difficult time.”

The name of the other driver has not yet been released, and the collision remains under investigation by DPS.