Tribute paid to Alberta wildfire crew member who died fighting blazes in Jasper
He's being remembered as a big personality – a young man who walked to the beat of his own drum, who loved deeply and who loved being a firefighter.
Morgan Kitchen, 24, died over the weekend fighting the wildfires in Jasper.
An online tribute identified the Calgarian and Alberta wildfire crew member, who also served in both the Canadian Armed Forces and British Royal Marines.
Kitchen, who turned 24 last month, was killed by a falling tree on Saturday.
Firefighters and first responders from all over have been paying tribute to their colleague, who was based out of Rocky Mountain House.
Parks Canada has said this tragic incident highlights the dangers associated with wildland firefighting.
The online tribute goes on to say, "Morgan was a talented athlete, musician, singer, comedian, and actor. He could have been a gifted teacher but was wired to be a first responder. The lifestyle and people drew him in. The photos and stories his crew shared of his last few months reflect a genuinely happy man doing what he loved in a place as wild and free as he was."
A funeral service will be held in Calgary on Aug. 17.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Ottawa has sold its stake in Air Canada: sources
Two senior federal government sources have confirmed to CTV News that the federal government has sold its stake in Air Canada. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, the government purchased a six per cent stake in the airline for $500 million as part of a bailout package.
Premiers disagree on whether Canada should cut off energy supply to U.S. if Trump moves ahead with tariffs
Some of Canada's premiers appeared to disagree with Ontario Premier Doug Ford on his approach to retaliatory measures, less than a day after he threatened to cut off the province's energy supply to the U.S. if president-elect Donald Trump follows through on his threat of punishing tariffs.
She took a DNA test for fun. Police used it to charge her grandmother with murder in a cold case
According to court documents, detectives reopened the cold case in 2017 and then worked with a forensics company to extract DNA from Baby Garnet's partial femur, before sending the results to Identifinders International.
Travis Vader, killer of Lyle and Marie McCann, denied day parole
The man who killed an Alberta couple in 2010 has been denied day parole.
McDonald's employee who called 911 in CEO's shooting is eligible for reward, but it will take time
More than 400 tips were called into the New York Police Department's Crime Stoppers tip line during the five-day search for a masked gunman who ambushed and fatally shot UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson last week.
Man who set fires inside Calgary's municipal building lost testicle during arrest: ASIRT
Two Calgary police officers have been cleared of any wrongdoing in an incident that saw a suspect lose a testicle after being shot with an anti-riot weapon.
Country star Morgan Wallen sentenced in chair-throwing case
Country music star Morgan Wallen on Thursday pleaded guilty to two misdemeanour counts of reckless endangerment for throwing a chair from the rooftop of a six-storey bar in Nashville and nearly hitting two police officers with it.
Weather warnings for hazardous conditions in parts of Canada
Canadians experienced contrasting weather on Thursday, from warmer temperatures in the Maritimes to extreme cold in parts of Ontario, the Prairies and the North.
Police say suspect in UnitedHealthcare CEO killing wasn't a client of the insurer
The man charged with killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was not a client of the medical insurer and may have targeted it because of its size and influence, a senior police official said Thursday.
Edmonton
-
College remembers slain security guard as documents show criminal history of pair charged
A vigil was held Thursday at Norquest College for a security guard who was killed at an Edmonton apartment building last Friday.
-
Travis Vader, killer of Lyle and Marie McCann, denied day parole
The man who killed an Alberta couple in 2010 has been denied day parole.
-
Wild 'biggest challenge' yet of Oilers' season: coach
Thursday night's host of the Edmonton Oilers "will be the biggest challenge so far," says their head coach.
Lethbridge
-
Lethbridge Fire and EMS offering safety reminders ahead of holiday season
As the holidays quickly approach, Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services (LFES) is putting out a reminder to celebrate safely this year.
-
Lethbridge man caught in possession of illegal drugs twice in 2 days: police
Lethbridge police say a 58-year-old man has been charged with drug trafficking offences twice within a 48-hour period.
-
Hurricanes continue winning ways at home, defeating Blades 2-1
The Hurricanes continued to ride a hot streak at home Wednesday, as they edged the Blades 2-1 in a game played at VisitLethbridge.com Arena.
Vancouver
-
BREAKINGBREAKING B.C. carjacking suspect illegally crossed U.S. border before arrest, police say
Authorities have arrested a suspect who allegedly carjacked a pickup truck in B.C.'s Lower Mainland on Thursday, then illegally crossed the U.S. border.
-
B.C. Supreme Court certifies class-action lawsuit against Airbnb
The B.C. Supreme Court has certified a class-action lawsuit against Airbnb that alleges the short-term rental company has breached provincial consumer protection laws by offering unlicensed real estate brokerage and travel agent services.
-
5 holiday events happening in Vancouver this weekend
Christmas is less than two weeks away, and festivities abound in Vancouver this weekend. Here are a few to check out.
Vancouver Island
-
B.C. Supreme Court certifies class-action lawsuit against Airbnb
The B.C. Supreme Court has certified a class-action lawsuit against Airbnb that alleges the short-term rental company has breached provincial consumer protection laws by offering unlicensed real estate brokerage and travel agent services.
-
Man charged after victim pinned to tree with vehicle in Victoria
A 34-year-old man is facing multiple criminal charges after allegedly striking a man with his vehicle and pinning him against a tree in Victoria, causing serious injuries.
-
B.C. boosts tax incentives to support film and television production
The British Columbia government is increasing tax incentives for both local and international film and TV projects in an effort to attract more major productions to the province.
Saskatoon
-
'Not even our project': Saskatoon city spends more than $5 million on homelessness with no provincial commitment
Saskatoon City Council held a special meeting Thursday morning to address homelessness years into the future, but frustration grew throughout the meeting as the province was absent from the conversation.
-
Prince Albert police release photo of suspect in family/grandparent scam
The Prince Albert Police Service (PAPS) is releasing a photo of a person of interest in connection with a family/grandparent emergency scam following multiple reports.
-
Sask. premier says collaboration needed to tackle border security and avoid Trump tariffs
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe says an “all hands-on-deck approach” is needed to address border security concerns to avoid U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's tariff threat on products from Canada and Mexico.
Regina
-
Sask. premier says collaboration needed to tackle border security and avoid Trump tariffs
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe says an “all hands-on-deck approach” is needed to address border security concerns to avoid U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's tariff threat on products from Canada and Mexico.
-
'Want to see some good hockey': Assiniboia rolls out red carpet for Redwings after rink closure
The Weyburn Redwings are carrying on with their season, despite their hometown rink being temporarily shuttered, thanks to the generosity of those in Assiniboia, Sask.
-
Frost Festival returns to Queen City for fourth year
The Regina Downtown Business Improvement District (BID), City of Regina and REAL District announced the return of the Frost Festival for a fourth-straight year.
Toronto
-
Man facing charges after allegedly stealing car with dog inside in Toronto
A 39-year-old man is facing charges after allegedly stealing a vehicle with a dog inside it in Toronto on Wednesday.
-
'Enough is enough': Doug Ford says Ontario could hand encampment drug users $10,000 fines, prison
Ontario Premier Doug Ford says his government is introducing a suite of measures to help municipalities “address and dismantle” homeless encampments around the province, including steep fines for people who use drugs.
-
'That's fine,' Trump says in response to Premier Ford’s threat to cut off energy supply to U.S.
President-elect Donald Trump is not worried about Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s threat to cut off energy supply to the U.S. as retaliation to the proposed 25 per cent tariff on Canadian goods.
Montreal
-
Judge to set trial date in February in Robert Miller sex crimes case
A judge has adjourned the criminal case against Montreal billionaire Robert Miller after he was recently charged with new sexual offences involving a minor.
-
'We're seeing over 30 refusals every day': Montreal shelters struggling with winter weather underway
With winter underway, women's homeless shelter Chez Doris has announced it will resume its 24/7 service and raise funds for a new day shelter at the historic Fulford building.
-
Quebec to pay 30 times more for power out of N.L. plant after decades-long dispute
Quebec and Newfoundland announced today a new arrangement that will see Quebec pay 30 times more for power from the Churchill Falls hydroelectricity plant in Labrador.
Atlantic
-
Bass River, N.S., bridge partially collapses
A bridge in Bass River, N.S., partially collapsed on Wednesday. The wooden structure was under construction when one side gave way and fell into the river.
-
N.S. Premier Tim Houston reveals new cabinet, department names
The new cabinet for the Nova Scotia government will have its swearing-in ceremony Thursday afternoon.
-
Deal between Ottawa and N.S. First Nation over contested fishery nearly done: lawyer
The lawyer for a Mi'kmaq band that has battled Ottawa over its lobster harvest rights says a deal settling the "centuries-old" fishing dispute is nearly complete.
Winnipeg
-
Manitoba premier eyes list of possible retaliatory measures for U.S. tariffs
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew says his government is preparing a list of potential retaliatory measures if the United States government imposes new tariffs on Canadian goods.
-
RCMP officer shot with replica gun during call
A Manitoba RCMP officer was shot with a replica gun during a recent call in Gimli.
-
Canada can't say when it will clear 140,000 backlogged cases for First Nations kids
Canada has told the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal it can't say when it will work through a backlog of some 140,000 cases related to First Nations child services.
Ottawa
-
BREAKINGBREAKING Eastbound Hwy. 417 closed near Arnprior after serious crash
Ontario Provincial Police have closed Highway 417 at Campbell Drive near Arnprior after a serious crash on Thursday afternoon.
-
Bus parked at OC Transpo depot destroyed by fire
Ottawa firefighters extinguished a bus that was fully engulfed in flames while parked at an OC Transpo depot on Thursday afternoon.
-
Local advocacy groups concerned about plan to crack down on homeless encampments
The Ontario government introduced new legislation Thursday, that if passed, will provide municipalities and police with new tools to dismantle homeless encampments and crack down on illegal drug use in parks and public spaces.
Northern Ontario
-
Northern Ont. bank employee taken to hospital with serious injuries after shooting
An employee at Northern Credit Union in Wawa, Ont., was taken to hospital with serious injuries after a shooter entered the branch and opened fire Thursday morning, the financial institution said in a statement.
-
Stabbing in wooded area of Sudbury results in attempted murder charge
Sudbury police have charged a man, 28, with attempted murder after a stabbing in wooded area off Leslie Street on Wednesday night.
-
Ottawa has sold its stake in Air Canada: sources
Two senior federal government sources have confirmed to CTV News that the federal government has sold its stake in Air Canada. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, the government purchased a six per cent stake in the airline for $500 million as part of a bailout package.
Barrie
-
Shotgun fired, tv stolen in home invasion, suspects at large
Provincial police are seeking suspects allegedly involved in an armed home invasion and robbery in Everett over the weekend.
-
Significant weather event declared in Owen Sound amid weather warning
The City of Owen Sound has declared a significant weather event with the region under a blizzard warning on Thursday as lake-effect snow squalls hammer the area.
-
Ontario investing $95M for new Collingwood hospital
The Ford government announced a $95 million investment to build a new Collingwood General and Marine Hospital.
Kitchener
-
Conestoga College offering 160 employees early retirement
Conestoga College is looking to cut costs by offering 160 of its full-time employees an early retirement package.
-
Premier proposing legislation to clear encampments and target illegal drug use
Ontario Premier Doug Ford is proposing stronger legislation for breaking up encampments.
-
Average Kitchener homeowner to pay $49 more for city's portion of 2025 property taxes
People living in Kitchener can expect to pay almost $50 more per year on the city’s portion of property taxes in 2025.
London
-
London Ont.'s funny billboard guys take serious stand against renovictions
A pair of real estate brokers are backing their words with time and money, after committing to retain a tenant living in a deeply affordable apartment above their future office space.
-
Accused denies being cold-hearted, calculating person at bush party shooting trial
The prosecution asked the accused why he was in possession of six handguns, which were at his father’s apartment on the night of the bush bash in July 2021.
-
40 to 80 cm of snow in some areas: Blizzard and snow squall warnings up across the region
Blizzard and snow squall warnings have rolled across much of southern Ontario – with up to 15 centimeters expected today, and blowing snow reducing visibility on roadways.
Windsor
-
Shots fired in South Windsor, one injured
An investigation is underway after the Windsor Police Service said multiple shots were fired at a group of people in South Windsor.
-
'You lose that sense of hope': Windsorite describes what it is like to be forced from a homeless encampment
A Windsorite is describing what it is like to be forced from a homeless encampment.
-
Upcoming tax holiday a logistical nightmare before Christmas according to Christmas tree farmers
The upcoming holiday tax break the federal government recently announced is expected to be an "accounting nightmare" for Christmas tree farmers across the country, as many wind down their peak season just as the break comes into effect.
