‘Fire chief’s worst nightmare’: Teen volunteer firefighter dies responding to water rescue
BEAUFORT, Mo. (KMOV/Gray News) - A 16-year-old volunteer firefighter died in the line of duty Friday evening.
According to the Beaufort-Leslie Fire Protection District, firefighter Chevy Gall was involved in a crash around 4:15 p.m. while responding to a water rescue in Franklin County.
He was transported to Mercy Washington Hospital, but was later pronounced dead.
Beaufort-Leslie Fire Protection District Fire Chief Terry Feth described Gall’s death as “a fire chief’s worst nightmare.”
“We are heartbroken by the loss of one of our own,” Feth said. “Chevy died while answering the call to help others. Our entire department is grieving, as we mourn with Chevy’s family, friends, and our fellow first responders during this incredibly difficult time.”
The Missouri State Highway Patrol said Gail was responding to the water rescue call in his personal vehicle.
Gall was westbound on U.S. Highway 50 just east of Highway 185 when his vehicle crossed the centerline and struck a cargo van, according to the crash report.
Authorities said Gall was not wearing a seat belt when the crash happened.
The driver of the van, a 30-year-old man, sustained minor injuries and was treated at Mercy Hospital St. Louis.
Fire officials said out of respect for Gall’s family, no immediate additional information would be shared.
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