As a Case Western Reserve biology major, Andrew Zajac relished any opportunity to go into the field.
“Clouds of bugs, pouring rain and hot sun never seemed to dampen his spirits,” said Mike Benard, George B. Mayer Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology. “He loved wading around in ponds, hiking through the forest, observing nature.”
Last week, Zajac died trying to save miles of wilderness from raging wildfires in Washington state. The vehicle he and two other U.S. Forest Service firefighters had taken to go in and assess flames crashed, and the blaze ultimately overwhelmed them
“We were devastated to learn of the death of our beloved husband, son, and brother,” his family said in statement released through the U.S. Forest Service. “We are saddened that a life with such promise has ended so soon and we will miss him deeply.”
Zajac, 26, graduated from Case Western Reserve in 2010 after performing extensive research in Benard’s lab and starting on a Spartan football team that went undefeated in the regular season and achieved a No. 7 national ranking.
“He just made himself into a good player,” said head coach Greg Debeljak, who shared the tragic news with the team Friday. “It took so much work on his part to accomplish what he did.”
Originally from Downers Grove, Ill., Zajac wrestled and played football in high school, and also played cello in his school orchestra. He also hiked and camped often.
He arrived at Case Western Reserve as a defensive player, but coaches ultimately moved him to the offensive line. Less than thrilled with the move, Zajac still persevered—and maintained a positive attitude.
“One thing I remember about him,” offensive line coach Mickey Iliano said, “was that he always had this little smile on his face.”
He became a two-year starter at right tackle, earning honorable mention on the All-University Athletic Association team during his senior year in 2009. In speaking to the team Friday, Coach Debeljak urged players to follow their passions as Zajac did.
“Andrew will be missed, and my heart goes out to his family and friends,” Debeljak said, “but his spirit will live on and should inspire CWRU players for years to come.”
Off the football field, Zajac was deeply devoted to his studies. He worked as a research assistant in Benard’s lab for two years and conducted research on amphibian ecology and development as part of the Summer Program in Undergraduate Research for his SAGES capstone.
“Andrew was a wonderful person to have in my lab. He was always enthusiastic, positive, and fun to work with,” Benard said.
The summer following graduation from Case Western Reserve, Zajac continued his work as a field assistant, working with Benard in Michigan. Zajac’s interests went beyond biology and football to martial arts and heavy-metal cello bands, Benard remembered. Zajac took another research position in Hawaii after graduating from Case Western Reserve.
Despite challenging work and long days as a field assistant, Zajac still found the time—and energy—to travel a few towns away to practice Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
“The next morning he’d be ready for another full day in the field,” Benard said.
In November, Zajac married Jennifer Brown in an outdoor ceremony near the Gila National Forest in New Mexico. The two shared a love for the outdoors: The previous year they hiked the Pacific Crest Trail.
Last fall, Benard wrote a letter of recommendation for Zajac’s application to dental school; the young man hoped to provide care for rural communities.
“Andrew’s kindness and concern for others were qualities he showed through his actions each and every day,” former football teammate Joey Baum said, “and qualities to which we all aspired.”
The family asks that donations in Zajac’s memory be made to:
- Methow Conservancy at methowconservancy.org/
- Aero Methow Rescue Service at aeromethow.org/
- Wildland Firefighter Foundation at wffoundation.org/