Sydney Kathryne Watson, 27, of Corner, AL passed away June 27, 2026 while fighting wildfires in western Colorado. Sydney is survived by her parents Doug and Meredith Watson, brother Will (Shannyn) Watson, sister Maggie Watson, grandparents Bill and Carol Watson, many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins, and her beloved dog Charlie. She was preceded in death by her grandparents Neal and Patsie Miller.

Syd was a 2016 graduate of Corner High School. In 2019, she graduated from University of Tennessee-Southern (then Martin Methodist College) with a degree in Wildlife Biology. After several conservation-related internships, Syd found her calling in wildland fire management. She spent 2.5 years with North Carolina State Parks Fire Management and over two years with the U.S. Forest Service based out of the Prescott National Forest. She recently transferred to the U.S. Wildland Fire Service with the Rifle Helitack Crew out of Colorado. Syd deeply loved her job and her crewmates.

Syd was an avid hiker, backpacker, and car-camper, an occasional trail-runner, had recently taken up mountain biking, and loved to soak up the sun by any body of water she could find. She loved all wildlife, taking early hikes to watch the sunrise, and finding flowers in the desert. She was a minimalist, had a passion for conservation, and proudly practiced the "dirtbag" lifestyle. Most importantly, Syd was a believer and is now with Jesus in Heaven and exploring new wonders. To honor her memory, choose to spend more time outdoors, enjoy the quiet of nature, watch the sunrise, and "leave no trace."

The family will receive visitors Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at 4pm at Highpoint Community Church, 185 Morris-Cobb Rd, Empire, AL 35063. A service will follow at 6pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation or the National Park Foundation in memory of Sydney.