Matthew Tobben dies in tragic Columbia water rescue incident
Matthew Tobben dies in tragic Columbia water rescue incident
**Columbia water rescue incident claims the life of Assistant Fire Chief Matthew Tobben – Obituary
The Boone County Deputy Medical Examiner has determined that the tragic death of Assistant Fire Chief Matthew Tobben in July was caused by drowning and has ruled it an accident.
On July 8, Boone County Fire Protection District Assistant Fire Chief Matthew Tobben, aged 42, tragically lost his life while aiding the Columbia Fire Department in a water rescue operation.
According to the final report, Tobben’s death was attributed to drowning, and the manner was classified as accidental. Deputy Medical Examiner Edward Adelstein noted that Tobben’s airways contained water, his lungs were hyperinflated, and there was hemorrhaging in the distal lobes of his lungs. Additionally, Tobben sustained bruises on his left lower leg and upper chest.
The postmortem report also documented an irregular bruise on Tobben’s lower left leg near his knee and a smaller bruise on his left chest. Foam was observed around his mouth during the examination.
No other significant findings were reported from the examination of Tobben’s body. Adelstein noted that Tobben’s scalp and skull appeared normal, and he was described as a “well-developed, well-nourished male” whose physical condition matched his age.
Toxicology tests did not reveal any findings of toxicological importance.
Assistant Fire Chief Gale Blomenkamp mentioned that Tobben had recently begun his role as Director of Training on May 1. Before this, Tobben had dedicated 19 years to the Union, Missouri fire department and served with Missouri Task Force 1 for 12 years.
Matthew Tobben is survived by his wife and two children. A memorial service held in his hometown of Union, Missouri, saw hundreds gather to pay their respects.
Matthew Tobben dies in tragic Columbia water rescue incident **Columbia water rescue incident claims the life of Assistant Fire Chief Matthew Tobben – Obituary The Boone County Deputy Medical Examiner has determined that the tragic death of Assistant Fire Chief Matthew Tobben in July was caused by drowning and has ruled it an accident. …
Matthew Tobben dies in tragic Columbia water rescue incident **Columbia water rescue incident claims the life of Assistant Fire Chief Matthew Tobben – Obituary The Boone County Deputy Medical Examiner has determined that the tragic death of Assistant Fire Chief Matthew Tobben in July was caused by drowning and has ruled it an accident. …