But Prescott is such a loving town that I couldnt leave. I usually Clarion Events Fire & Rescue Group provides Fire and EMS leadership the critical training and educational information they need to do their job as effectively and safely as possible. Host Jim Burneka speaks with Brendan McDonough, the lone survivor of the Granite Mountain Hotshots. Brendan Smialowski--AFP-Getty Images . Mon, Feb 27, 2023 . m a reminder about Yarnell. The sooner the better," Councilman Jim Lamerson said. Brendan McDonough, speaking here in an exclusive interview with ABC News, was the only member of his 20-man Granite Mountain Interagency Hotshot firefighting crew to survive the Yarnell Hill Fire in late June 2013. AZ Brendan feels very fortunate to live and work in Butte, Montana, and he is proud to be Butte Irish. It took me a while to realize that the depression was not going away and was getting worse., He says the families of those killed in the fire are supportive and treat him like family, but he says he knows it sometimes hurts them to be around him. It was a class act. But the allure of cameras from the early 2000s for Gen-Zers reflects a broader search for meaning. He had never talked to me face to face, and Chief Willis did another article saying thats not how it happened., McDonough explains that the post-fire trauma, the investigations, and multiple lawsuits were a huge strain on him, and he certainly didnt blame Marsh for what had happened. He continued to argue with his wife and struck her in the shoulder, according to the warrant. We don't have much information about He's past relationship and any previous engaged. Knowing that these families would see me, but not anyone else off that crew. When the fire shifted and moved toward McDonough, the rate of spread increased dramatically. I love my mom and you go daddy, a child can be heard saying on the recording of the incident, according to the warrant. Wife: Not Available: Sibling: Not Available: Children: Not Available: Brendan McDonough Net Worth. McDonough agreed. She was 67. Through our industry-leading publications, digital media and events, we cover the latest developments, innovations, and standards in apparatus and equipment, clinical breakthroughs, and training for Fire & EMS personnel. Once inside, McDonough accused his wife of not letting him see the kids and of trying to break up the family. The surviving member of an elite Arizona firefighting crew that was overrun by flames says he went numb after learning the 19 men he considered his brothers were dead, and he wonders why he alone was spared what he calls a "horrible, freak accident.". During the argument the dog began to bark and McDonough kicked it, according to the warrant. By Olawale Ogunjimi. Brendan McDonough was on the verge of becoming a hopeless, inveterate heroin addict when he, for the sake of his young daughter, decided to turn his life around. Jan 26, 2022 06:20 A.M. "Desperate Housewives" Actor Neal McDonough has appeared in several features. It was just weighing heavy on my heart everyone was trying to blame them and I just wanted people to know that these guys were amazing men and they got caught in a really bad situation. Brendan McDonough is photographed in front of the Butte-Silver Bow Courthouse on April 1. I know they were asked to come to Yarnell if it was possible and Eric said. Great article Bill thank you! As he writes, he remembers stories from his hotshot days, and he says it illuminates for him what is still painful that he can address in counseling. 27.5K followers. Because of his experience gained in planning festivals and live-events, Brendan was hired to be the Festival Coordinator for the National Folk Festival to be hosted in Butte. She said she left him in so that he would not break the door again or make a scene. That. production assistant Ryan Needham . I know they were asked to come to Yarnell if it was possible and Eric said, No, we are going to stay here in the black. And for some reason they left.. He adds that he didnt hear a radio conversation between the two about why the crew left the black. Their superintendent, Eric Marsh, was in a desperate crunch after four hotshots left thecrew, andseeing a glimmer of promise in the skinny would-be recruit, he took a chance on the unlikely McDonough, and the chance paid off. McDonough told ABC's "Good Morning America" in an interview aired Wednesday that he learned of his fellow Hotshots' deaths while back with his crew's vehicles after hitching a ride with another Hotshot crew. He says everyone else was telling their side of the story, and he wanted to tell his side. I lost nineteen amazing men that were my structure, he says. ll still be renting a house after this book comes out. https://brendanjmcdonough.com/book/ Brendan McDonough wants to help Wildland firefighters. He likes Prescott, he says, but acknowledges that its tough for him to live there. Hang in there Brendon. t make any sense, and some people really struggle with that. "It's not something you wanna hear," McDonough said. Brendan discusses his struggles resulting from survivors guilt, including depression, suicidal thoughts, drug and alcohol abuse, and the post traumatic growth that has led him to create a treatment center to help others that are struggling. Brendan McDonough (born December 27, 1996) is an American soccer player. He is not dating anyone. But the Granite Mountain crew's radios went silent as firefighters in Yarnell watched the fire front advance, and the 20th Hotshot grew increasingly anxious. Experienced Senior Vice President and Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the financial services industry. Former CEO, HSBC North America, Deputy Chairman of AIB Group plc Brendan McDonagh Brendan is Deputy Chairman of AIB Group plc where he is Chairman of the Risk Committee and a member of the Audit, Nomination and Remuneration Committees. "From where they were, they could see it picking up. Hey, its about time for you to get out of there, said Steed over the radio. He then showed up at his wifes workplace and began to make scene until she went to speak with him outside, according to the warrant. Prescott Fire Department Chief Dan Fraijo asked that a firm decision be made at the council's next meeting Aug. 20 as to how the crew would be structured so the department can begin hiring and training for it. Sunk into my seat, I sunk into myself," he said in the ABC News interview, finally breaking his silence over how the terrible incident unfolded, in which only he survived. Are they happy with me? Excellent article and interview Mr. Gabbert. You dont even have money for gas. "I wouldn't have traded the years I spent with those men for anything in this world," he told the Courier. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Brendan McDonough, 21, was serving as lookout and relaying key information to his team when the wildfire suddenly changed direction Andrew Ashcraft died beside 18 of his 'hotshot' comrades on. This episode focuses on the aftermath of the June 30th, 2013 Yarnell wildfire in which 19 of his fellow Hotshot brothers died in the line of duty. McDonough said he asked himself. Today, Brendan McDonough continues to live in Prescott, Arizona with his 3 children and wife while running Holdfast Recovery. I lost my family.. He was the beloved husband of Donna (Fratus) McDonough. McDonough also went into a rage over his wife blocking his numbers on cell phones, according to the warrant. He also appeared at a charity golf outing at Gainey Ranch country club in Scottsdale on Friday that raised more than $100,000 for the Hotshots' families and Yarnell residents who lost their homes. In the spring of 2015 he was invited to participate in a portion of a relay that began in New York City and ended in Dallas, Texas, organized by Carry the Load. He did hear, though, a discussion about Marsh going on ahead toward the ranch to make sure the route was good, and Marsh later told Steed they should make their way down there. With the exception of 21-year-old Brendan McDonough, who had been posted some distance away from the crew as a watchman, the hotshots found themselves in the fire's path. I couldn. He enlisted in the Granite Mountain Hotshots, a team of elite firefighters based in Prescott, Arizona. Have you talked with him since you ran it? But I remember hearing that. Brendan McDonough (born December 27, 1996) is an American soccer player. Should have clarified, providing Brendan an oppurtunity to speak. I wanted to make sure I wasnt letting people tell stories that werent true.. "This is where, you know, the best memories of my life will be.". Fact-checking Only the Brave confirmed that the real Eric Marsh (portrayed by Josh Brolin in the movie) met his wife Amanda (Jennifer Connelly in the film) in 2007 in a 12-step program for alcoholism. McDonough was released by Vancouver at the end of the 2019 season. Copyright 2023 Heavy, Inc. All rights reserved. Its really nice to be able to have that.. Brendan McDonough (born December 27, 1996) is an American soccer player. s the way I felt like people were portraying him. Im sharing the stories and the great memories I have of them, and Im telling my stories about Yarnell what I saw, how I felt, and what I think happened., He says the book also addresses his counseling. The next day on the fire near Yarnell, Steed, as the acting Superintendent may have thought that McDonough was not quite 100 percent recovered when he assigned him to serve as a lookout for the crew. I really want to share some of my darker moments, and help people know that it, by doing the book and that I was going to write about something that I didn. t sell out my brothers that saved my life in order to do a book. The festival was held in Missoula for three years before relocating to Butte. Neal McDonough and his wife Ruve McDonough attend the 16th annual Golden Trailer Awards at Saban Theatre on May 6, 2015 in Beverly Hills, California. ABC News' Sabina Ghebremedhin contributed to this report. "It's tough," McDonough said, as he sat near a rack of sharpened chains for their saws in the ready room left just as it was the morning of the fire, when the 20 Hotshots had their last briefing. My daughter comes up to me, saying, Hey Daddy. The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Work with a team who knows exactly what you are going through. CLICK HERE to return to The Investigative Unit homepage. Hes collaborating with best-selling author Stephan Talty, author of A Captains Duty, about Richard Phillips, captain of the MV Maersk Alabama that was captured by Somali pirates and later rescued by Navy SEALs. And I came to a point where I just didn't have any more tears.". McDonough picked a spot almost a mile down the hill, where he could see both the fire and the other Hotshots. Pushed by strong winds created by a passing thunderstorm, the fire burned over the crew, killing them all, even though they sought protection inside their emergency fire shelters. The judge also put mental health and suicide watches on McDonough. s flipping burgers. Please keep in mind our commenting ground rules before you post a comment. Brendans life was much like that of the people who walk through the doors of Holdfast Recovery today. McDonough made his professional debut on June 26, 2019, starting in a 22 draw with FC Dallas. Despite the crews skepticism, and thanks in large part to Marshs firm but loving encouragement, McDonough unlocked a latent drive and dedication, going on to successfully battlesa number ofblazes and he eventually wins the confidence of the men he came to call his brothers. I really want to share some of my darker moments, and help people know that its okay to get help. Brendan McDonough, 21, was serving as lookout and relaying key information to his team when the wildfire suddenly changed direction 19 firefighters confirmed died Arizona town of Yarnell Fire. I wouldnt sell out my brothers that saved my life in order to do a book. Steed told him he was listening to it and asked McDonough if he. They were lost that day; I lost my boys. "The sooner the decision is made, the more time we have to put a team together," he said. 1981 Graduate of Bentley College in Waltham. His net worth has been growing . If you did, do you know if Jesse Steed or Eric Marsh heard it? "Why wasn't I there with them?" Nothing crazy or new would have come out of it, It would have been more of a reconfirmation of what I saw that day and trying to make sure my brothers were not going to get blamed for something they didn, t do. Additional portions will be broadcast tonight on "World News With Diane Sawyer" and "Nightline". McDonough said. Eric Marsh didn, t kill eighteen other people himself. It took me a while to realize that the depression was not going away and was getting worse. Video: A Life Vest and an Airboat for a Wildland Fire? Brendan McDonough of the Granite Mountain Hotshots, A discussion about guilt, depression, and growth Fire Engineering Host Jim Burneka speaks with Brendan McDonough, the lone survivor of the Granite Mountain Hotshots. Powered by. Select this result to view Brendan McDonough's phone number, address, and more. It, McDonough is not currently working at a conventional job; he is working on a book, which he says has been therapeutic for him. This episode focuses on the aftermath of the June 30th, 2013 Yarnell wildfire in which 19 of his fellow Hotshot brothers died in the line of duty. He had never talked to me face to face, and Chief Willis did another article saying that, McDonough explains that the post-fire trauma, the investigations, and multiple lawsuits were a huge strain on him, and he certainly didn, everyone was trying to blame them and I just wanted people to know that these guys were amazing men and they got caught in a really bad situation. Family life. But he knows his friends' pain has been released. As Tarr got closer to the site he reported, "I could hear voices coming from the area of the shelters," but after yelling into the smoke soon came upon charred black human remains. Brendan McDonough was born on 27 December, 1996 in Lancaster, California, United States. [7][8], McDonough was released by Vancouver at the end of the 2019 season. Also learn how He earned most of networth at the age of 24 years old? ", Incredibly, McDonough says quitting firefighting is "not an option. A "unique and bracing" (Booklist) first-person account by the sole survivor of Arizona's disastrous 2013 Yarnell Hill Fire, which took the lives of 19 "hotshots" -- firefighters trained specifically to battle wildfires.Brendan McDonough was on the verge of becoming a hopeless, inveterate heroin addict when . I just have the title of Yarnell Hill Lone Survivor. I remember seeing him when everything started happening. They taught me all they knew, and they also taught me how to be a man, a well-rounded man. Prescott, AZ 86305. Activity I had a. Almost two hours after it was reported at 4:47 p.m. that the Hotshots had deployed protective personal shelters, an Arizona state paramedic hiked up to the site of torched chaparral and confirmed the worst. The blond, rail-thin veteran of three fire seasons led ABC News through the crew's station, a place once a center of activity in fire season but now sorrowfully quiet and filled with U.S. flags signed by fire squads, commemorative wood carvings, postcards and letters of gratitude from many whose homes were saved by the Hotshots, as well as children's playful drawings saying "thank you." After the dust settles and it opens again, hopefully it will be in a more productive, meaningful, and positive atmosphere. Firefighter Brendan McDonough, 21, remained in seclusion Wednesday after Prescott, Ariz., officials said he was the only member of the Granite Mountain Hotshot crew to survive Sunday's deadly. Im like anyone else. I wanted to clear things up with the wildland firefighting community. No, we are going to stay here in the black. Eric Marsh, superintendent of the Granite Mountain Hotshots, at one point told a fire manager on the radio that the 19 men were deploying their emergency shelters. For the first eight months after the tragedy he spent much of his time at funerals, memorials, investigations, fundraisers, and interviews. This information is not intended to create, and receipt Intern Production Assistant Rylan Mitchell . He says the families of those killed in the fire are supportive and treat him like family, but he says he knows it sometimes hurts them to be around him. After working full time in wildland fire for 33 years, he continues to learn, and strives to be a Student of Fire. He said he didnt talk to Willis and doesnt remember him talking to others on the crew. Through a nonprofit organization 22KILL, he was recognized for his service and received the key to the city of Fort Worth, Texas. I wanted to talk to you because I feel the community thinks I sold out. The job lasted about a year. Privacy Policy. Do you think there might be an opportunity for you to follow up with Brendan if you feel some good questions were raised? He was a volunteer fireman in East Greenwich. Not just a hotshot crew or nineteen fire brothers. The day before, he had been sent home sick by, Jesse Steed, Captain and second in command, of the crew. He has attended every funeral and visited each of the Nineteen's families. Brendan McDonough is the lone survivor of the Granite Mountain Hotshots. He did hear, though, a discussion about Marsh going on ahead toward the ranch to make sure the route was good, and Marsh later told Steed they should make their way down there. 385 talking about this. The couples youngest son then stepped between them and began swinging a toy at his father and telling him to leave. Ive always wanted to be in a job of service to others. It took hard work to get where he is, but his faith has made it possible to free him from the shame and guilt that was holding him prisoner. production legal Sarah Mummey . The Butte Friendly Sons and Daughters of St. Patrick is the longest-running St. Patrick's Day tradition in Butte. In the five weeks since, Brendan McDonough has been grieving in private and putting on a brave face in public, reading the Hotshots Prayer at a large memorial service attended by families of the fallen, friends and dignitaries including Vice President Biden. The judge agreed with the prosecutor and sharply increased McDonoughs bail and issued protective orders that require he stay 2,500 feet away from his wifes home and have no contact with her, her mother or the children. I have no clue, says McDonough. I'm kind of numb at that point. He said he knew the calls were from family members trying to reach the fallen firefighters. thats-thats a promise., At another point he writes, I know where you are going to be. I'm kind of numb at that point. creative consultant Tommy McNamara . "Coming home, that was the worst feeling ever. He could see them clearly enough to identify individuals as he left and headed toward a nearby highway used as a command center for the fire response. It would have been more of a reconfirmation of what I saw that day and trying to make sure my brothers were not going to get blamed for something they didnt do. Inside the Granite Mountain Hotshots' station house in Prescott, in his first visit only weeks after the catastrophic loss, McDonough felt at ease -- enough to reveal his deep pain over not being with his friends, who were all like family to him, when they died in their boots. But I am going to take care of my family, Im going to make sure I have food on the table. The National Council for the Traditional Arts (NCTA), the organization that has produced the National Folk Festival since its creation, recognized Buttes and Montanas unique natural resources, cultural assets, and strong community spirit.