Firefighter’s 3-year-old son killed before memorial walk for slain firefighters.
Tragic Accident Claims Life of Firefighter’s Son
In a heartbreaking turn of events, a 3-year-old boy, the son of a firefighter, was tragically struck and killed in Delaware over the weekend. The incident occurred just moments before a memorial walk was set to begin, honoring three firefighters who lost their lives in a blaze seven years ago.
The Wilmington fire chief’s office revealed that a group of off-duty Wilmington firefighters, along with their family members and friends, had gathered on Sunday morning to participate in the memorial walk. However, tragedy struck when the child was accidentally hit by a vehicle driven by another off-duty firefighter who was attempting to park and join the event. Despite being rushed to Wilmington Hospital, the young boy was pronounced dead. At this time, the identities of the child and the driver have not been released.
The Wilmington Police Department is currently conducting an investigation and is urging anyone with information to come forward and contact them.
Expressing his deep sorrow, Wilmington Mayor Michael Purzycki released a statement on Monday, acknowledging the devastating incident that has affected the firefighting community. He emphasized that on a day already filled with somber remembrance, the department once again finds itself mourning the loss of a life taken far too soon.
The tragic incident serves as a painful reminder of the sacrifices made by firefighters. In September 2016, Lt. Christopher Leach and Senior Firefighter Jerry Fickes lost their lives at the scene of a row house fire in the Canby Park neighborhood when the first floor of the home collapsed. Senior Firefighter Ardythe Hope, who was critically injured in the same incident, fought for several weeks before succumbing to her injuries.
In a subsequent legal proceeding, Beatriz Fana-Ruiz pleaded guilty in 2019 to second-degree murder, arson, and assault for setting fire to the basement of the home. She was sentenced to 30 years in prison, and immigration authorities have indicated their intention to seek her deportation to the Dominican Republic, her home country.
What actions are being taken by the Wilmington Fire Department to support the grieving family
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