Name: Nicholas “Nick” Van Dam
EOW: Saturday, July 26, 2025
Rank: Captain
Age: 37
Department: Murdo Volunteer Fire Department
State: South Dakota
Activity Type: Driving/Operating Vehicle/Apparatus
Incident Details:
While responding to the War Creek Fire (Jones County, South Dakota) in a 2,000-gallon tender, Captain Nicholas Van Dam was involved in a motor vehicle accident. Captain Van Dam was ejected from the vehicle as it left the roadway and rolled.
Captain Van Dam sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Cause of Death: Vehicle Collision – Includes Aircraft
Nature of Death: Trauma
Duty Type: Responding
Incident Date: July 26, 2025 8:00 PM
Fixed Property Use: Outdoor Property