County mourns loss of firefighter
James Hargrave, husband and father of four, died in a collision Tuesday on his way home to Walsh from fighting wildfires
A tragic accident claimed the life of a prominent rancher in the Walsh area as he returned home after helping to fight the fire in the Burstall and Hilda area on Tuesday night.
James Hargrave, 34, was returning home about 8 p.m. in conditions that included smoke, dust and wind.
“It was the (other) firemen that realized he was missing and they went to look for him,” said Joan Taylor, his aunt. “They are the ones who found him and the other vehicle.”
Hargrave was in a three-ton army truck and was T-boned, said Taylor, who believes the other driver was seriously injured.
Hargrave leaves behind his wife Elizabeth and four young children, said Taylor. It was his eldest son Hudson’s sixth birthday on Wednesday. His second eldest son Alec is four, Savannah is two and Isobelle was born in April this year.
“I knew James well. I am totally saddened and devastated by the news of James’ passing,” said Drew Barnes MLA for Cypress-Medicine Hat. “I have had the good fortune of being able get to know him over the last seven years. Alberta has lost a passionate, intelligent, family, ranching and community hero.”
Hargrave has been very involved in the community and on a provincial level regarding land lease negotiations, said Taylor. He was also a strong environmentalist and someone with a lot of energy.
“James’ passing cut like a knife into the soul of our community. And while such wounds heal, his death will leave a scar,” Medicine Hat MLA Bob Wanner said in a press release. “I can safely say the wounded hearts of all residents of southeastern Alberta now beat support for James’ wife and children, friends and family.”
Hargrave had been the sole survivor of his family’s ranch, said Taylor.
“His mother died when he was six and his dad when he was 12. His sister died 10 years ago in a riding accident. They were bringing in cattle and she fell off her horse and broke her neck.”
Local resident Malcolm Sissons is Hargraves’ “second cousin once removed.” The J H Ranch, operated by Hargrave, goes back to Sissons’ greatgrandfather and Hargraves’ great-great grandfather also called James Hargrave, said Sissons.
A few years ago the extended Hargrave clan met at the J H Ranch for a reunion to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the ranch, said Sissons.
“That was hosted by James and Liz. It was so impressive to see how he was managing things. He was very mature and very involved in ranching and community affairs and obviously a volunteer firefighter,” said Sissons. “It was just so gratifying to see him make a success of the ranch after his parents died.”
Hargrave, who was with the Walsh Fire Station, passed away in the line of duty, said an official press release from Cypress County.
“James was very community minded and joined the fire services to help and protect residents far and near. He was a great father and will be dearly missed by his wife, children, extended family, friends, neighbors and fellow first responders.”
Scott Long, executive director for the provincial operations centre, Alberta Emergency Management Agency, said he could not recall the last time a firefighter had been killed while fighting a wildfire.
“It’s a very dangerous business that they’re in and last night’s events is an indication of that,” said Long. “Grassfires, especially with that speed of wind, move incredibly fast and even professionals find themselves in precarious situations.”
The RCMP continues to investigate the accident, said Long.
A GoFundMe page has been set up for Hargrave’s young family at https://www.gofundme.com/in-memory-of-james-hargrave
Another GoFundMe page has been set up for father and son, Ron and Evan Wedrick, who battled the wildfires in Saskatchewan. They were both airlifted to Calgary due to severe burns and smoke inhalation, and Evan is in critical condition.
https://www.gofundme.com/helpwedrick-families-after-fire