By FireRescue1 Staff

HUTTONSVILLE, W.V. — A volunteer firefighter died Sunday after suffering from chest pain while responding to a chimney fire.

Robert McAtee, Sr.,  55, was a 38-year veteran and member of the Huttonsville-Mill Creek Volunteer Fire Department. Shortly before his death, he was seen holding his chest but declined treatment. He told Chief Robert McAtee, Jr. that he had pulled a muscle opening an apparatus door.

After McAtee Sr. returned home, his wife observed him clutching his chest.

He repeated that he had pulled a muscle, or that the extreme cold was causing his pain. McAtee's wife later found him unresponsive and called Chief McAtee, who initiated CPR.

Firefighter McAtee was transported to a hospital, where he died of his injuries.

Funeral arrangements are pending.