It is reported that the Boone County Fire Protection District Assistant Chief Mathew Tobben helped the Columbia Fire Department with a swiftwater rescue operation at Rangeline Street and Bear Creek early this morning, according to a social media post by Chief Scott Olsen. It is a tragic incident and family and friends have been thrown into grief.

Online sources state that while doing flood rescue efforts, the assistant chief of the Boone County (MO) Fire Protection District passed away. Sources have therefore confirmed the death of this amazing officer.

What happened?

The firefighters had saved two people when the zodiac boat overturned, and Assistant Chief Tobben was flung from it and drowned. The statement claims that the Columbia firefighter and the two victims who were first saved have both recovered and are doing well. His obituary details will sadly passed across by family.