COLUMBIA, Mo. — The assistant chief of the Boone County Fire Protection District (BCFD) died Monday while saving two people from drowning.

Assistant Chief Matt Tobben was helping the Columbia Fire Department during a swift water rescue operation at Rangeline Street and Bear Creek early Monday morning, according to a BCFD Facebook post.

The firefighters had rescued two individuals when the zodiac boat overturned, throwing Tobben overboard. He drowned at the scene, according to the post.

The two original victims and the Columbia firefighter were rescued and are doing ok.

 “Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time,” the Facebook post states.