Monterey County

Bulldozer Operator Killed in Soberanes Fire Identified

The sister of a bulldozer operator killed in a massive wildfire burning near Big Sur in Monterey County described her younger brother Thursday as someone who always wanted to help.

Authorities identified the operator killed Tuesday as 35-year-old Robert Reagan of Fresno County. He died when the piece of heavy equipment overturned.

Hannah Cunnings told the Associated Press that Reagan was the kind of person who would offer to put snow chains on your car or fix an engine that needed fixing.

"Even since he was a boy he just really wanted to help people,'' she said, crying.

The Monterey County Sheriff's Office said Reagan is survived by a common-law wife and two young daughters. Cunnings said her brother and his wife also cared for a young niece.

The wildfire, known as the Soberanes Fire, has spread to more than 27,000 acres and destroyed nearly three dozen homes.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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