A small Kansas town mourns the tragic loss of Cole Matson, 21, who died in a farm equipment accident at his family farm. A spraying rig malfunctioned, trapping him inside the machinery.
Cole was the youngest son of the Centralia Fire Department chief. He regularly volunteered at the fire station and helped neighbors whenever needed. His dedication and kind spirit left a lasting impact on many.
Assistant Fire Chief Nate Engelken described the rescue effort. He said rescuers found Cole trapped between the rig’s axle and mainframe. It took nearly 30 minutes to free him because the situation was complex. Moreover, rescue crews did not have immediate access to hydraulic rescue tools, often called the “Jaws of Life,” which are vital for freeing victims from heavy equipment.
Engelken expressed frustration about the lack of resources. “We knew what needed to be done, but we didn’t have the tools,” he said. Still, he admitted that even with the right equipment, saving Cole might have been difficult.
Although Cole’s life ended too soon, he lived with purpose and heart. Engelken emphasized Cole’s deep love for agriculture and strong commitment to family and community. “If anyone needed help, Cole was there,” Engelken said. Consequently, his death affected many people in the area.
In his obituary, family members celebrated Cole’s kind heart, bright smile, and close bonds with loved ones. They fondly remembered his joy in spending time with his baby nephew Braxton and his loyal dog, Tator. Furthermore, Cole devoted many hours as a 4-H volunteer, supporting the next generation.
He leaves behind his fiancée Joee Bussmann, parents Dan and Jennifer Matson, brother Alex and Shelby Matson, grandparents, and a wide circle of family and friends. Everyone remembers him for his generosity and warmth.
Now, the Centralia Fire Department is raising funds to upgrade its emergency extrication equipment. This effort aims to prevent future fatalities in farm equipment accidents like this one. To support the fundraiser, visit the department’s official page.
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