Kaitlyn “KK” Michelle Gallagher was born on April 26, 2002, in Alexandria, Louisiana to Michael and Debbie Gallagher. KK was a wildland firefighter with the United States Forest Service. She died in the line of duty on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, while responding to the Broken Creek Fire on the Kisatchie National Forest in North Louisiana. She was 24 years old. KK was a loving daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, friend and mentor to countless.
KK is a graduate of Our Lady of Prompt Succor Elementary School and Holy Savior Menard Catholic High School. She grew up embracing every opportunity to live her Catholic faith and serve others. KK played for Menard’s Lady Eagles Basketball and Softball teams and was a member of the Menard Apostles for Christ Ministry team.
KK went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology Health and Fitness Studies from Louisiana State University at Alexandria in December 2023. During her time on campus, she was actively involved in the Kinesiology Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Catholic Student Organization. She also played for the LSUA women’s basketball team and loved participating in intramural sports. Beyond athletics, KK served at LSUA as an intern with Student Life, DOSE, and Athletics, leaving her mark on many areas of campus life.
KK joined the U.S. Forest Service as a Wildland Firefighter Apprentice in 2025. She spent two summers on the Shoshone National Forest in Wyoming, serving on both engine and wildland fire modules. While working for the Kisatchie National Forest, KK assisted with prescribed burns and responding to wildfires. Her joy for life, heart for service, and love of outdoors made her a valued member of the U.S. Forest Service.
KK’s passion was sharing her faith in Jesus, a passion she lived out while helping shape young lives as a Youth Leader at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church and as Girls Basketball and Softball coach at Holy Savior Menard High School.
KK is survived by her devoted parents, Michael and Debbie Gallagher, sister Maddie and brother Shawn all of Alexandria. She is also survived by her paternal grandmother Betty McClain Fair of Bossier City, paternal grandfather, Ed Gallagher (June) of Warner Robbins, Georgia. She has a large, loving extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins who will forever cherish her memory.
KK was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents Jim and Linda Tryniecki of Amite; and paternal grandfather Fred Fair of Bossier City.
KK was a pure embodiment of love and light. She was a fearless disciple of Christ, who loved so deeply and touched so many lives. KK led such a beautiful life.
The family would like to thank everyone for their support, stories, and compassion during this difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church- Youth group or the Wildland Firefighter foundation at https://give.wffoundation.org/donate.
A US Forest Service Honor Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, October 21, at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church Divine Providence Center (DPC) in Alexandria from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm.
Visitation Services will be held on Thursday, October 22, at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church DPC from 9:00 am – 11:00 am with the Holy Rosary at 10:15 a.m. Mass and Christian Burial to begin at 11:00 am in the church. A Celebration of Life Reception to follow at the DPC after interment.
Kramer Funeral Home, Alexandria, is handling arrangements.