Lake Valley firefighter dies unexpectedly
The Lake Valley Fire Protection District is deeply saddened to announce the unexpected death of 34-year-old firefighter paramedic Brandon “Mitch” Underhill on Sept. 29.
Mitch joined the fire district as a paid professional on Sept. 27, 2005, and served the community with dedication and devotion for just over eight years until his untimely death.
Mitch is survived by his wife and two young children, his parents, and a sister and brother.
Donations to help out the family in these toughest of times can be made at any El Dorado Savings bank branch under the name of the “Underhill Family Fund”. A website has been set up where people may post comments about Mitch.
— Lake Valley Fire Protection District
DEVISTATED! That kind man mentored my son in rock climbing for his senior project. He was so gentle and kind. What a horrible loss. My heart hurts for his family.
Mitch was a wonderful fire academy instructor and we will miss him dearly. Our hearts go out to the Underhill family as well as his extended family at Lake Valley Fire Protection District. A tragic loss.
A very sad event. Thoughts and prayers go out to the Underhill family and the LVFD family during these most difficult times. RIP Mitch ,,,
my condolences to the underhill family…
Mitch was an amazing person. He always had the biggest smile on his face no mater what. The climbing community is very sadden with the loss of Mitch. He was an amazing athlete that always made climbing look so easy no matter how hard it really was. We all send out our condolence to the family in this sad time.
Mitch was a student in my history class at STHS and I vividly recall his happy, respectful, and fun demeanor. As a high school teacher, you serve over 200 students a year, and after 16 years of service some ‘kids’ stand out in my memory. Mitch’s spirit lives on and my sympathies go out to his family.
Just in shock with news of a very sweet,caring, always smiling,caring for others, top of class man!!! And friend! I am so sad, words don’t say enough! Gods Blessings to his family, LVFD, and all of his friends! He is going to be missed beyond words! Thank God he is safe in the hands of our Lord. Isaiah 57,
Mitch was one of the great ones. His athleticism, charm and passion will never be forgotten.
We have been close friends of the Felchlin family (Mitch’s wife Sarah) for many years and have known Sarah since she was a little girl. We have followed her adventures with Mitch and been in awe of what they have achieved together. If there was ever a tragedy that warrants “words cannot express”, this is it. We can’t even imagine the sadness the Underhill and Felchlin families & their communities are going through, but our hearts go out to them.
Is this young man related to John Underhill?
We are so saddened to hear about Mitch’s passing. His parents, John and Jody, have been wonderful neighbors of us for years, and the entire family is so amazing, caring, and loving. John, Jody, your children and grandchildren are in our thoughts and prayers.
We are so very sad to hear the news. We have been friends with John and Jody for many, many, years. Our hearts go out to his wife, children and the entire Underhill family….. Jim & Valen Williams
I have never met kinder and more loving people and am horribly sad to hear this. John and Jody have been there for our family (and everyone else they know) over and over again through the years. Our arms are around the Underhill family during this very sad time.
Our family sends our deepest thoughts and prayers to the Underhill family. For 20 years, we have had the joy of John, Jody, their kids and grand kids as next door neighbors. The kindest, most giving, most loving, most attractive family, always sharing with parties, a helpful hand, impromptu visits and communication. John and Jody together saved our mom’s life when she collapsed 2 years ago. They are the best of the best! We LOVE them! God bless them all!!
My heartfelt condolences to John and his family. John, I was unfortunate to have come upon Mitch in his pickup early that Sunday morning before the flea market and made the 911 call. Later, a black lab without a collar or ID hung around the market all day and was taken home by our food concessionaire. If it could be Mitch’s dog, please contact me. May he rest in peace.