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Family comments on bulldozer operator killed in Carr Fire: 'He was an amazing man'

The Shasta County Sheriff's Office said Saturday the bulldozer operator has been identified as 81-year-old Don Smith of Pollock Pines, California.

A bulldozer operator killed when he was overtaken by a massive blaze in Northern California has been identified.

The Shasta County Sheriff's Office said Saturday the bulldozer operator helping to clear vegetation in the wildfire's path has been identified as 81-year-old Don Smith of Pollock Pines, California.

California fire officials said Smith and his equipment had been hired privately. His body was found late Thursday in Redding.

Smith's daughter, Connie Vandorien, provided the following statement on his death Wednesday.

“My father, Don Smith, was and will always be an amazing man. He chose to help others more than anyone else I know. He died trying to help victims of the Carr Fire. At this time, our family is not ready to talk on camera and are focusing on memorializing his legacy for his grandchildren. We want to publically thank the media and most of all, the Community for all the support shown. My close friends and coworkers at the Washington Unified School District created a GoFundMe [gofundme.com] if anyone is interested in helping us with funeral costs and other related expenses. Again, thank you for caring, encouraging us, and respecting our privacy during this most difficult time.”

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