Brendan McDonough was a Fire Explorer at the age of 14 and ten years later was in his third season with the Granite Mountain Hotshots when the unthinkable happened. s what really pushed me to get help. I probably would have continued doing drugs, I probably would have ended up in prison or with an overdose or dead. He continued to argue with his wife and struck her in the shoulder, according to the warrant. I remember seeing him when everything started happening. "Why wasn't I there with them?" They have also lived in Saint Cloud, FL and Ringgold, GA. Brendan is related to Richard J McDonough and Kathleen Ellen McDonough as well as 1 additional person. 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. An Avon man who police say assaulted his wife, one of his children and kicked a dog was ordered held in lieu of $700,000 bail after his arraignment Friday in Superior Court in Hartford on assault and other charges. s been doing intensive therapy and taking care of himself and trying to be a good father. Thank you Bill for the article and for providing this man an oppurtunity to speak. First published on August 7, 2013 / 2:04 PM. He currently speaks as a motivational speaker for many public and private events. Brendan entered the world of event planning when he was selected to coordinate the first An R R Montana Irish Festival in Historic Uptown Butte in 2003. The job lasted about a year. Brendan discusses his struggles resulting from survivor's 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. Im still going to be making truck payments, Im still going to be struggling to pay for my medical insurance. 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. The judge also put mental health and suicide watches on McDonough. 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. He enlisted in the Granite Mountain Hotshots, a team of elite firefighters based in Prescott, Arizona. Its really nice to be able to have that.. The paramedic confirmed the deaths and reported them by radio. Im a reminder about Yarnell. his background, drug problems, burglary conviction, and becoming a father at age 19. m sharing the stories and the great memories I have of them, and I. what I saw, how I felt, and what I think happened. 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. The hotshot crew was the best thing that ever happened to me. The festival was held in Missoula for three years before relocating to Butte. . Brendan R. McDonough is a Butte native and graduated from Butte Central High School and Montana Tech with a degree in Business Informational Technology. More from Jim Burneka: https://firefightercancerconsultants.. She let him and he visited with the children, did not mention harming himself, then left. Brendan 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. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. 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. [4] He was officially added to the club's roster on March 6, 2019, signing an MLS contract for 2019 with options through to 2022. Daddy no, the children yell, according to the warrant. d heard it. At his wife Kari's insistence, McDonough briefly gave up the bike after a traffic . The important facts that lead to lessons learned are known. "I never questioned them before, why should I question them now? I remember I was just sitting there in shock. After working full time in wildland fire for 33 years, he continues to learn, and strives to be a Student of Fire. "I wouldn't have traded the years I spent with those men for anything in this world," he told the Courier. s thankful for the others on the crew who taught him about being both a dad and a hotshot. d overheard a radio conversation between Marsh and Steed. I know they were asked to come to Yarnell if it was possible and Eric said. . re two feet away from somebody? I said, 'Okay.'". When fire managers couldn't contact the crew, a state police paramedic was dropped off by a helicopter and hiked to the crew's deployment site. After the unfathomable loss of that day, McDonough suffered from seemingly insurmountable bouts of depression, Post-Traumatic Stress, and issues with alcohol. On June 30, 2013 the Yarnell Hill Fire claimed their lives when a firestorm roared through brush 90 miles. Brendan has a checkered past: He's a drug user. Amanda's gateway into alcoholism began when she was 8, after she witnessed several gruesome murders while visiting a friend's home. "Whoever didn't bring their phone, I could hear phones ringing, knowing that it was their wives, their family," McDonough recounted in an exclusive interview with ABC News to air on "Good Morning America" today. Family life. In the two-plus years since that horrible day he has experienced his own personal firestorm. What led to the deaths of the experienced team of firefighters remains under official investigation by Arizona, whose deputy state forester Jerry Payne caused an uproar last week by publicly blaming the crew's slain leader Eric Marsh for violating firefighting rules. When the fire shifted and moved toward McDonough, the rate of spread increased dramatically. 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. According to the warrant, the couple has been separated and the children are living with their mother. There isn. The children began to get more upset and the wife said she told McDonough to leave, but he kept on arguing. 1. "I asked a million times, 'Why am I sitting here and why isn't someone else? Brendan was fortunate enough to work with an incredible group of people interested in making An R R a world-class festival in Montana. 365 following. 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. Granite Mountain's lone Hotshot 19 survivor, Brendan McDonough shares his journey of survival beyond the fire, and talks recovery that only a loving, available God can provide. They were lost that day; I lost my boys. McDonough walked about half of it. His previous work experience was limited: He was an auto-shop employee, worked at a home-improvement store in the garden department, and as a prep cook and busboy. 27.5K followers. He enlisted in the Granite Mountain Hotshots, a crew of elite hotshot firefighters based in Prescott, Arizona. 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. case or situation. He enlisted in the Granite Mountain Hotshots, a crew of elite hotshot firefighters based in Prescott, Arizona. 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. [6], On August 7, 2019, McDonough was loaned to USL Championship side Charlotte Independence for the remainder of the season. He was the beloved husband of Donna (Fratus) McDonough. He is not dating anyone. 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 mother told police she put McDonough off, but he eventually showed up at her house on Oct. 11. You may be able to find another website where this is encouraged, but its not the vision I have for Wildfire Today. McDonough is one of five candidates seeking the chief executive position in the 2020 election. His net worth has been growing . Why aren't they sitting here with me?'" 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. knuckle dragger, is actually writing parts of the book with Talty. Brendan McDonough. Select this result to view Brendan McDonough's phone number, address, and more. Im like anyone else. Have you talked with him since you ran it? Major General Clark and his wife earmarked $150,000 for the division ball; charging individuals $135/ticket, and charging couples approximately $250 a pop. ( CBS 5) Brendan McDonough, 21, is the lone survivor of the 20-man team that went into the Yarnell Hill Fire as it spread throughout central Arizona. On this page we provide everything you need to know about our program; however, the fastest way to learn about how we are saving lives is to call us and speak to Brendan personally. Verified. I'd cried a lot. An investigation into the firefighters' deaths is under way, but officials have said the crew moving on foot in rugged terrain was aware as it changed positions that the direction of the wind pushing the fire was shifting. Three guys washed out, he says, Eric Marsh told me, If you can keep up, well keep you., The hotshot crew was the best thing that ever happened to me. Thats what Im saying in the book, he adds. Covered in soot over his bright yellow protective clothing and heavy boots as darkness fell on June 30, waves of guilt for being the only Hotshot spared death was a gut punch made all the more painful by the chirping phones behind him in the buggy. McDonough grabbed the boy and smacked him on the buttocks, according to the warrant. On January 11, 2019, McDonough was selected 35th overall in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft by Vancouver Whitecaps FC.He was officially added to the club's roster on March 6, 2019, signing an MLS contract for 2019 with options through to 2022. 3. We have estimated "May the wind be always at your back". McDonough made his professional debut on June 26, 2019, starting in a 22 draw with FC Dallas. That night he showed up at the wifes house and began pounding on the door. I was trying to heal as a person and help others heal, and share my stories, and kind of work with the fundraisers. His relationship with Jesus andChristian-based treatmenthas helped him heal and help others do the same. The day before, he had been sent home sick by, Jesse Steed, Captain and second in command, of the crew. Theres nothing that is going to be in there that people dont already know., The book, he says, is about his life his background, drug problems, burglary conviction, and becoming a father at age 19. I wanted to make sure I wasnt letting people tell stories that werent true.. The barrage of text messages contain similarly threatening language, according to the warrant. It took me a while to realize that the depression was not going away and was getting worse. All 19 of his brother Hotshots had just been killed by the ripping Yarnell Hill blaze in the largest loss of life among firefighters since the 9/11 attacks. Brendan Smialowski--AFP-Getty Images . Through a nonprofit organization 22KILL, he was recognized for his service and received the key to the city of Fort Worth, Texas. 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. ", McDonough radioed back a brief reply to call if they needed anything and that he'd be with the buggies. Once inside, McDonough accused his wife of not letting him see the kids and of trying to break up the family. Experienced Senior Vice President and Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the financial services industry. Should he post bail he must also wear a GPS device on his ankle if he posts bail. 1981 Graduate of Bentley College in Waltham. At 26 years old, Brendan McDonough height City officials declined CBS News' multiple requests for an interview, but Monday they sent a statement. Scandal-ridden LTC McDonough will be quietly ushered off the Hawaiian Islands for the Army War College in Carlisle . What did Brendan think of the published interview? Brendan McDonough is organizing this fundraiser to benefit Butte Friendly Sons and Daughters of St Patrick. On the next day, Oct. 12, McDonough began calling to say he wanted to see the kids and have a family dinner. I feel like just now within the last six months Ive been able to build relationships with some of the families outside of that we talk about my daughter, what they are up to, whats going on with their lives, grandkids. 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 . After attending Our Lady of Mercy and East Greenwich High School, he proudly served in the United States Air Force. "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. Walking out, he met up with a member of the Blue Ridge Hotshots, who gave him a ride out. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. At least 12 dead after winter storm slams South, Midwest, The Saturday Six: Dental device controversy, scientist's bug find and more, Trump speaks at CPAC after winning straw poll, 3 children killed, 2 others wounded at Texas home, Man charged for alleged involvement in 2 transformer explosions, Nikki Haley slams potential GOP contenders, and Trump and George W. Bush, Duo of 81-year-old women plan to see the world in 80 days, Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant to "take some time away" from the team after allegedly brandishing a gun in a club, Alex Murdaugh trial: What to know about the double murder case, NTSB to investigate in-flight turbulence that left 1 passenger dead, an interview published Wednesday by The Daily Courier. Brendan McDonough, 40, according to the warrant for his arrest, was charged after assaulting his wife and one of their children, blitzing his wife over several days with threatening and . Prosecutor Danielle OConnell told Hartford Superior Court Judge Claudia Baio that she was concerned about the alleged assaults and threats McDonough made in front of his three children. The sooner the better," Councilman Jim Lamerson said. "I was the lookout that day. He enlisted in the Granite Mountain Hotshots, a crew of elite hotshot firefighters based in Prescott, Arizona. Privacy Policy. Today, Brendan McDonough continues to live in Prescott, Arizona with his 3 children and wife while running Holdfast Recovery. That was the last time McDonough talked to them. 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. Join Facebook to connect with Brendan McDonough and others you may know. Wasn't a bad decision.". Wife: Not Available: Sibling: Not Available: Children: Not Available: Brendan McDonough Net Worth. They taught me all they knew, and they also taught me how to be a man, a well-rounded man. 2013 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. Reportedly in that radio conversation, Marsh ordered Steed to have the crew leave the safety zone and meet him at the ranch. Hey, its about time for you to get out of there, said Steed over the radio. The true story behind the events that inspired the major motion picture Only the Brave. He assured Steed that he had. McDonough was not a first-round pick when he was hired on with the crew. So they kind of relayed to me, 'Hey, Donut, we got eyes on it,'" McDonough remembers his captain telling him. Did you hear that afternoon a warning over the radio about a thunderstorm with strong winds moving into the fire area? Rettinger gave birth to a son on November 5, 2018. Brendan McDonough was the Granite Mountain Hotshots' lookout June 30 and wasn't with the rest of the crew when it was overtaken by the Yarnell Hill Fire amid shifting winds. He says people call it the untold story of the Yarnell Hill Fire lone survivor. But McDonough bristles at that. I lost my brothers, my mentors, my religious guidance it was tough. So, I am going to exercise my arbitrary and capricious ability to call for a strategic pause. All 19 hotshot families will receive worker's compensation and a one-time federal payment of $328,000, CBS News correspondent Carter Evans reports. He left his post. Do they think Im doing a good job? 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. It showed me that I wanted to help people, but I needed to get help myself. The Friendly Sons and Daughters of St. Patrick host a banquet annually on March 16th. He encourages all of you to make these festivals a part of your calendar during the summer and enjoy all Montana has to offer. Great article Bill thank you! Brendan McDonough, Yarnell Hill Fire survivor, speaks at the memorial service for the 19 firefighters that died on the fire. The Granite Mountain Hotshots, an elite. McDonough says now that he and Willis talked about whether Marsh made it to the ranch or not, but I still have not gained any clarity out of that. Dating & Relationship status He is currently single. He says people dont understand how much face-to-face conversation Steed and Marsh engaged in that afternoon. Brendan McDonough Vicky Shen Henry Richard Pace University, 2025 Jane Richard Thayer Academy, 2024 Eamon Baker Catholic Memorial High School, 2022 Mairead Baker Harvard University, 2024 Jack Burke BC High, 2022 Nolan Cleary BC High, 2022 Liley Damatin Worcester State University, 2024 Peter Datish University of Massachusetts, Amherst, 2025 Thanks. And I guess the State didnt think it was important enough to hear my opinion again. I sunk. 1,004 posts. We hope that any additional comments, as we said before, will be in a more productive, meaningful, and positive atmosphere. Actor Neal McDonough and his wife Ruve arrive at "The Losers" Premiere at Grauman's Chinese Theatre on April 20, 2010 in Hollywood, California. This information is not intended to create, and receipt Facebook gives people the power to share and makes the world more open and connected. restore the true meaning of Memorial Day by connecting Americans to the sacrifices of our military, law enforcement, firefighters and rescue personnel. Mount Tamalpais Prescribed Fires Delayed Amid Tricky Factors, Watchdogs: Forest Service Erred Siting Radio Repeater in MT Wilderness Study Area. That. Knowing that these families would see me, but not anyone else off that crew. "We want to restore what we had. From left to right: McDonough's son Brendan, second wife Lynette, McDonough, daughter Caroline and son Patrick. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? PRESCOTT, Ariz. From his lookout position on a scrubby hillside, Brendan McDonough tracked the fast-changing elements of the Yarnell Hill Fire late Sunday: the weather, the landscape, the. 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.