Community Support for Cutter Family
A community fundraiser has been launched to support Nina Pacchia following the death of her husband, Ryan Cutter, a helicopter pilot who died on Sept. 20 while responding to the Dome Fire in Yosemite National Park. Cutter, a member of the Precision crew, was one of two pilots killed during the incident, according to reporting by Big Country News Connection.
Fundraising Efforts Exceed Goals
The fundraiser, organized by Cait Francis, aims to provide financial assistance to help Pacchia reunite with her family during her period of grief. As of Sept. 22, the GoFundMe campaign had raised $76,138, significantly exceeding its initial $10,000 goal through 465 individual donations. The funds are intended to cover immediate travel costs for her family to be with her and to assist with expenses related to celebrating Cutter's life.
Helicopter Incident Details
Cutter and Greg King were serving as exclusive-use helicopter pilots for the Payette National Forest at the time of the accident. The two were assigned to the Price Valley Rappel Crew, operating out of New Meadows, Idaho. According to Big Country News Connection, the pilots were highly skilled and had been instrumental in helping ground crews make progress in the suppression efforts against the Dome Fire.
Dome Fire Status and Location
The accident occurred while the pilots were working in response to the Dome Fire, which was first reported on Sept. 15, 2026. The fire is located in the backcountry of Yosemite National Park, approximately 1/4 mile north of Chilnualna Falls, and is visible from the Wawona Road (Highway 41). As of Sept. 29, the fire was reported to be 34% contained, though it had grown by 177 acres in a single day prior to that update.
Agency Response to Loss
The Payette National Forest expressed profound sadness regarding the fatalities, noting the heavy weight the loss places on firefighters assigned to the aircraft and the broader wildland firefighting community. The agency emphasized the diligence of first responders who worked to safely recover the pilots from the scene and ensure they were brought home quickly.
Honor Processions Scheduled
A dignified transfer of the pilots is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026. Greg King is expected to return to Palmer, Alaska, via Palmer Airport, while Ryan Cutter will be returned to Park City, Utah, via Heber Airport. An honor procession will be held at both locations to welcome the pilots home to their respective families.
Safety Closures in Yosemite
The Dome Fire has necessitated several area closures to ensure public safety and facilitate firefighting operations. Glacier Point Road has been closed due to reduced visibility caused by smoke. Additionally, the Chilnualna Falls trail, and the trails leading from the top of Chilnualna Falls toward Buena Vista and Crescent Lakes, remain closed. The Ostrander Trail and all areas and trails south of it are also closed. Yosemite National Park officials noted that while infrastructure is not under imminent threat, these closures are necessary for safe operations.
Wilderness Suppression Tactics
While heavy equipment is often restricted in wilderness areas, firefighters have utilized Minimal Impact Suppression Tactics (MIST) to manage the fire. In addition to aviation resources, pack mules from the Shasta-Trinity and Stanislaus National Forests have been deployed to support firefighters. These animals are used to backhaul equipment and deliver supplies to remote sites, particularly in smoky conditions where helicopter visibility may be compromised.
