Redmond smokejumper, injured in fall, dies in Alabama

A longtime Redmond smokejumper deployed to Alabama to help fight recent wildfires has passed away after suffering injuries in a fall in Alabama.

Ray Rubio, 52, worked for the Deschutes National Forest and was sent to Birmingham last month.

The Website AL.com reports that on Nov. 22nd, Rubio was walking back to his hotel from a restaurant when he fell over a concrete railing in a parking garage. He fell 15 feet, suffering a head injury and broken leg.

Rubio, an Army veteran, was in intensive care and died Monday evening.

A federal Fire Administration page indicated Rubio reportedly was on his way home to Oregon and was staying overnight in Birmingham at the time of his injury.

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown issued a statement late Wednesday, saying, “The loss of one of Oregon’s own is heartbreaking, and I extend my sincere condolences to Ray’s family, friends, and the firefighting community who knew him well.”

“Ray will be remembered as a loving husband and father who dedicated his life to service and helping others,” she added.

A GoFundMe page created to help the family with medical expenses now will be used for funeral expenses, a family friend said.