A 16-year-old volunteer firefighter lost his life while responding to an emergency call in Beaufort, Missouri.
According to KBTX, Chevy Gall, a junior firefighter with the Beaufort-Leslie Fire Protection District, died in a tragic collision while heading to a water rescue incident in Franklin County on Friday evening.
The young volunteer firefighter was driving his personal vehicle westbound on U.S. Highway 50 when the accident occurred around 4:15 p.m.
Missouri State Highway Patrol investigators determined that Gall's vehicle crossed the centerline and collided with an oncoming cargo van just east of Highway 185. Emergency responders rushed him to Mercy Washington Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Fatal crash details emerge from investigation
The Missouri State Highway Patrol's preliminary investigation revealed that Gall was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the collision. The impact of the crash resulted in severe injuries that proved fatal despite immediate medical intervention.
The driver of the cargo van, a 30-year-old man, sustained minor injuries and received treatment at Mercy Hospital St. Louis.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. The Beaufort-Leslie Fire Protection District has declined to provide additional details about the water rescue call that Gall was responding to when the accident occurred. The department cited respect for the family's privacy during this difficult time.
Fire Chief Terry Feth expressed his profound grief over the loss of the young firefighter. His emotional statement reflected the deep impact of this tragedy on the entire department:
We are heartbroken by the loss of one of our own. 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.
Community mourns dedicated young first responder
The loss has sent shockwaves through the Beaufort community, where Gall was known for his dedication to public service at such a young age. His commitment to volunteer firefighting demonstrated remarkable courage and selflessness that impressed his fellow firefighters and community members alike.
The Beaufort-Leslie Fire Protection District has established protocols for junior firefighters, allowing young volunteers to serve their community while maintaining strict safety guidelines. This tragic incident marks a devastating loss for both the department and the entire first responder community in Franklin County.
Local first responder organizations have begun offering support to the Beaufort-Leslie Fire Protection District during this period of mourning. The department is working with Gall's family to arrange appropriate honors for his service and sacrifice.
Young hero's ultimate sacrifice remembered
Chevy Gall, a 16-year-old volunteer firefighter with the Beaufort-Leslie Fire Protection District, made the ultimate sacrifice while responding to a water rescue call in Franklin County, Missouri.
The tragic accident occurred on Friday evening when his personal vehicle collided with a cargo van on U.S. Highway 50, leading to fatal injuries. His death has deeply affected the fire department and the entire community, who remember him as a dedicated young first responder who lost his life while answering the call to help others in need.
