Two Arizona firefighters among three killed in head-on collision near Show Low

Two Arizona firefighters were among three people killed when an ambulance they were riding in was struck head-on by another vehicle late Tuesday night on State Route 260 near Show Low, officials said.

Thirty-one-year-old Brenna Kulikowski and 21-year-old Damon Thompson were pronounced dead at the scene after the crash, the Timber Mesa Fire and Medical District said, announcing the line-of-duty deaths of two of its members. The driver of the other vehicle also died at the scene.

Timber Mesa Fire and Medical District Chief Randy Chevalier described the wreck as "horrific," saying the ambulance was returning from dropping off a patient at a medical facility when the other vehicle crossed the center line and struck the emergency vehicle head-on. The crash occurred at about 10 p.m., according to the district.

Kulikowski had served with the district for three years and was described by Chevalier as "top-notch" and compassionate. Thompson was about two weeks shy of completing his first year on the job; his parents and colleagues said firefighting was his aspiration.

"I’ve been on a lot of accidents over my career. And it was, it was horrific," Chevalier said in comments reported by local media. The district identified the two firefighters in a statement announcing their deaths as line-of-duty fatalities.

Local law enforcement is investigating the collision. Officials have not released the identity of the driver of the other vehicle or provided details about possible charges. Emergency responders closed portions of the route during the overnight response.

Gov. Katie Hobbs issued a statement expressing sorrow, saying she was "heartbroken to learn two brave firefighters lost their lives in a tragic crash near Show Low." She added that her thoughts were with the families, loved ones and fellow first responders.

Colleagues and community leaders have offered condolences and support to the families and to members of the Timber Mesa Fire and Medical District. Investigators have not yet released a timeline for completing the crash probe or additional findings, and no further details about the circumstances leading the other vehicle to cross the center line were provided.

The district has not immediately announced memorial plans. The deaths are the latest in a series of line-of-duty fatalities for emergency responders in Arizona, and officials urged caution on rural roadways, particularly at night.