Ashley Kontnier
BUDA — Buda firefighter Jason Eckstrom died Sunday, Oct. 4, following a nearly five-year battle with cancer.
As previously reported by the Hays Free Press, Jason — who had been with the Buda Fire Department in various capacities since 2010 — was initially diagnosed with rectal cancer in 2022. After several rounds of chemotherapy, he was given a clean bill of health and ready to head back to work, when it was discovered in 2024 that the cancer had moved to his lungs and clavicle.
On Saturday, Oct. 3, Jason’s wife, Megan Eckstrom, shared an update on the Eckstrom’s Fight Facebook page that the decision had been made to bring him home on hospice.
“His body is tired. He is sleeping most of the time now, he isn’t really eating and our focus has shifted completely to keeping him comfortable, peaceful and surrounded by the people he loves,” the update read. “If you know Jason, you know how hard he has fought. And if you’ve followed Eckstrom’s Fight, you’ve fought right alongside us through surgeries, chemo, radiation, brain metastases, hospital stays, scary scans, good news, bad news and more ‘one more rounds’ than I can count. He has given this everything he has.”
Megan continued by asking for prayers of comfort for Jason, as well as prayers for their children and herself as they faced the unknown days ahead.
The following day, Oct. 4, the Buda Fire Department announced Jason’s death.
“Jason fought a long, tough and courageous battle with incredible strength and determination. His loss is deeply felt throughout our Buda Fire family and he will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and serving alongside him,” said the announcement.
While arrangements are pending, the department said it will release additional details once plans are finalized.
“Rest easy, brother. We’ll take it from here,” the fire department concluded.
