Base captain dies from crash injuries

Monday, July 13, 2009

Mark Zampogna, 39, a captain from Mountain Home Air Force Base who was involved in a two-vehicle collision near New Meadows July 6 that killed an Adams County deputy, died at St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center on Sunday evening, July 11, after he was removed from life support.

A public viewing for Zampogna will be held at the base chapel Thursday, July 16, from 5-7 p.m. A private family viewing will be held Friday morning at the chapel, with a public funeral service following at Holt Park at 10:30 a.m.

He had been in critical condition since being injured in the accident, which also injured three other members of his family.

Investigators now believe that Deputy Monte "Leroy" Matthews, 35, of New Meadows, was on routine patrol on US95 at milepost 153, near the community of Tamarack near New Meadows north of McCall, when he swerved, for unknown reasons, into the southbound lane of traffic, striking Zampogna's 2003 Honda Odyssey Minivan. Matthews, who was not wearing a seatbelt, succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

Zampogna's wife, Jennifer, 35, and one of his children, Dominic Zampogna, 7, remain hospitalized with serious injuries suffered in the crash. The couple's other child, Nicole Zampogna, 9, has been treated and released from the hospial.

Zampogna was a captain with the 366th Operations Support Squadron.

The family has requested that monetary donations be made to the Air Force Aid Society by calling 1-800-769-8951.

Commercial Tire in Mountain Home, 330 S. Main St., is currently taking donations for the Zampogna family and will be matching those donations with its own funds.

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What a sad, sad situation all around. My prayers to all involved.

-- Posted by LongTimeListener on Mon, Jul 13, 2009, at 11:50 AM
Jennifer, we're still Praying for you & the kids. We're all here for you, if you need ANYthing!

-- Posted by MommiezBoyz on Mon, Jul 13, 2009, at 12:29 PM
We are retired here but still feel the pain of one of our families. Our thoughts are with you and our prayers.

-- Posted by Momof 2graduates on Mon, Jul 13, 2009, at 10:25 PM
My family and I are praying for you. My daughters both go to school with your kids and are friends. I am SO very sorry. May the love of your family and God sustain you all through this horrible time.

-- Posted by fyrmom on Tue, Jul 14, 2009, at 9:42 AM
May you rest in peace, Mark. Thoughts & prayers for Jen and the children. This is heart-wrenching.

-- Posted by *akmom* on Tue, Jul 14, 2009, at 12:04 PM
Mark was a Gunfighter who was admired and respected by many in the MHAFB community. He was a friend, husband, father, teacher, mentor, confidant,brother,and son. His willingness to always lend a hand to those in need will always be remembered. Those of us who were fortunate to have known him during his tour of duty here at Mt Home will nver forget his generosity, warm smile and calm disposition that befitted such a peaceful man. Continue to pray for Jennifer and the children, who have a long road to recovery - both emotionally and physically.

-- Posted by fivejdkidz on Wed, Jul 15, 2009, at 12:45 AM

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