Matt Hanenkrath Obituary: Defiance County’s 911 Director Matt Hanenkrath’s Death Cause Revealed

Matt Hanenkrath Obituary:- Matt Hanenkrath was a 40-year-old man who served as the South Richland Fire Chief and the Defiance County 911 director in Ohio. He was born on August 4, 1982, to Hal and Lori (Duerk) Hanenkrath in Defiance, Ohio. He graduated from Ayersville High School in 2001, where he played football and baseball. He married his high school sweetheart, Amanda (Bostelman) Hanenkrath, on June 14, 2003. They had three children: Halie, Hayden, and Hudson.

Matt was passionate about public service and helping others. He joined the South Richland Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter in 1999 and became the fire chief in 2017. He also worked as a paramedic for Defiance County EMS since 2003 and became the Defiance County 911 director in 2019. He was involved in many other organizations, such as the Northwest Ohio Fire Chiefs Association, the Ohio Fire Chiefs Association, the Defiance County Local Emergency Planning Committee, the Defiance County Emergency Management Agency Advisory Board, and the Ayersville Athletic Boosters.

Matt was known for his leadership, professionalism, kindness, and sense of humor. He was respected and admired by his colleagues, friends, and family. He enjoyed spending time with his loved ones, especially coaching his children’s sports teams. He also liked hunting, fishing, golfing, and watching Ohio State football.

How did Matt Hanenkrath die?

Matt Hanenkrath died on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at ProMedica Defiance Regional Hospital after responding to a fire in the Defiance area. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, he started experiencing shortness of breath and chest pains at the scene of a residential fire. He was treated at the scene and then rushed to the hospital where he passed away a short time later from a pulmonary embolism.

A pulmonary embolism is a sudden blockage of an artery in the lung by a blood clot that usually forms in the legs or pelvis. It can cause serious complications such as low blood oxygen levels, heart damage or death. Some risk factors for developing a pulmonary embolism include prolonged immobility, surgery, trauma, cancer, pregnancy or genetic disorders.

How was Matt Hanenkrath honored?

Matt Hanenkrath’s death was mourned by many people who knew him or were touched by his service. His funeral service was held on Saturday, July 1, 2023, at St. John Lutheran Church in Defiance. He was buried at Riverview Memory Gardens with full fire department honors.

Many fire departments from across Ohio and neighboring states participated in the funeral procession and paid their respects to Matt’s family. The South Richland Fire Department draped a large American flag over their fire station and lowered their flags to half-staff. The Defiance County Sheriff’s Office also posted a tribute to Matt on their Facebook page, saying:

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our friend and colleague Matt Hanenkrath. Matt was not only the South Richland Fire Chief but also our Defiance County 911 Director. Matt had several responsibilities in multiple areas of public service across Defiance County. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.”

The Ohio Fire Chiefs Association also issued a statement expressing their condolences and gratitude for Matt’s contributions to the fire service:

“The Ohio Fire Chiefs’ Association is saddened to learn of the passing of Chief Hal Matthew “Matt” Hanenkrath of the South Richland Fire Department (Defiance County). Chief Hanenkrath passed away on Tuesday after responding to an emergency incident earlier that day.

Chief Hanenkrath joined the OFCA in January of 2018 and served as an active member of our association.

The OFCA would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Chief Hanenkrath’s family, friends, fellow firefighters, and community during this difficult time.

We thank Chief Hanenkrath for his dedication and commitment to protecting his community.”

What legacy did Matt Hanenkrath leave behind?

Matt Hanenkrath left behind a legacy of courage, compassion, and excellence. He dedicated his life to serving others and making a positive difference in his community. He inspired many people with his work ethic, integrity, and generosity. He loved his family and friends with all his heart and made them proud of him.

Matt Hanenkrath will always be remembered as a hero, a leader, and a friend. He will always be in our thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace, Chief.