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Snohomish County firefighter dies after falling off cliff while hiking

A 23-year-old firefighter with Snohomish County Fire District 7 died after falling off a cliff while hiking near Cle Elum over the weekend.

Officials said Marcus Carroll was reported missing Sunday after he did not return home from a day hiking trip.

Deputies with the Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office conducted a search and rescue operation after drone footage confirmed Carroll’s location Monday.

“Marcus was a valued member of Fire District 7,” said Fire Chief Kevin O’Brien. “He has such a positive attitude and kindness that made everyone feel comfortable. He worked hard for our citizens to provide high quality service. He will be greatly missed by his Fire District 7 family.”

Officials said Carroll was hired as a part-time firefighter/EMT with North County Fire/EMS in September 2018 and was hired with Fire District 7, where he was working to get hired as a career firefighter.

"Marcus was an intelligent and professional individual who respected everyone he met,” said Assistant Chief Don Bartlett. “He was an impressive young man who wanted to make a difference. The fire service and our public has lost a valued public servant.”

Officials said memorial service details for Carroll will be released at a later date due to the coronavirus pandemic.