In an utter tragedy, a 16-year-old firefighting volunteer was killed in the line of duty while responding to a call for the department’s service, dying in a massive crash while on a state highway. The tragic crash occurred on Saturday, April 4, when the young man was responding to a call for a water rescue, reports state.
That young man’s name was Chevy Gall, and he was serving with the all-volunteer Beaufort-Leslie Fire Protection District in Beaufort, Missouri, when he tragically died. The cause of his death was a crash on Missouri’s Highway 50, and the crash came, reportedly, when his vehicle crossed the highway’s center line and slammed into a cargo van in a head-on collision.
Such is what was reported by local media outlet KSDK, which obtained a Missouri State Highway Patrol report on the matter. According to that outlet, the tragic collision near the very small town of Beaufort resulted not only in the death of Mr. Gall, but in the hospitalization of the van’s driver, a man who is 30 years old.
Further, KDSK reported that though the cause of the collision is unknown, it is likely that Mr. Gall’s vehicle crossed the center line of the highway due to inclement weather, as Franklin County’s Emergency Management Agency Director, Abe Cook, told the outlet that the deadly crash happened during extremely heavy rain.
Announcing Mr. Gall’s death in a post on Facebook, the Chief Mason Griffin Foundation said, “It is with deep sorrow that The Chief Mason Griffith Foundation announces a devastating loss in our local fire community. Chevy Gall, a dedicated 16-year-old volunteer for the Beaufort Leslie Fire Protection District, tragically lost his life while responding to a water rescue call on April 4 at approximately 4:14 PM. In a heartbreaking turn of events, he became involved in a motor vehicle accident and, despite the tireless efforts of medical professionals, succumbed to his injuries in the hospital.”
Continuing, it noted that Mr. Gall left behind a number of family members and that they were already grieving the passing of other family members from another accident, saying, “Chevy’s passing leaves behind his loving parents and two siblings, who are engulfed in grief. To compound the tragedy, the family is also mourning the loss of Chevy’s Uncle, Aunt and cousins, who were killed in a separate accident. This unimaginable situation has cast a shadow over our entire community, reminding us of the tremendous sacrifices our first responders make every day.”
Concluding, it asked readers to donate to a GoFundMe, saying, “In these challenging times, we urge you to open your hearts and support this grieving family. Your donations can make a significant difference and provide much-needed assistance during this incredibly difficult period. Please consider contributing through the link provided. If you find it in your heart, please donate to this family by using the link attached.”
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Also commenting on the young man’s passing was Beaufort-Leslie Fire Protection District Fire Chief Terry Feth, who said, Fox News Digital reports, “Tonight is a fire chief’s worst nightmare. 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.”