UTS Forum

We have experienced two recent tragedies in UTS tracking family. Approx. three weeks ago Tim Wood, age 57, from Union County passed away shortly after surgery for a brain tumor. Tim had been in Search and Rescue for about 10 years and had recently received his certifacation as a Tracker II. Tim was very active with Union County SAR and will be missed. Donations can be made to Union County SAR.

The second loss was Don Gomez, age 57, from Multnohma County. Don died of an apparent heart attack while helping with a training this past weekend. Don worked with the Sheriff's Office and SAR for about 15 years and had been certified this past Fall as a Sign Cutter. Don was very active with Multnohma County SAR and in helping with trainings all over the state. Donations can be made to Multnohma County SAR.

Both individuals will be missed as they both contributed a lot to their communities and the state as a whole.

I knew Don and will always remember his quick smile and the great times tracking with him.

Both trackers are a loss to the community that benefited from the positive contributions they freely gave.

My condolences to the family's.

I remember Don once laying track over a stream by swinging from a tree limb and landing in a large poison oak bush. Needless to say prime team took a short break as the cut team signcut around the poison oak patch. Don, you are missed!

I'm sorry to hear of the losses. I knew Don Gomez. He was always so friendly and a good tracker. He will be missed.