By FireRescue1 Staff
HOUSTON — A medical examiner ruled the death of a Houston firefighter who died last month in an off-duty car crash as a suicide.
Firefighter Jason Hamilton, 43, died Jan. 27 after his vehicle crossed into oncoming traffic, reported the Houston Chronicle. Initially, officials said the crash was caused by a tire problem.
“The troubling circumstances of Jason Hamilton’s death are a grim reminder of the prevalence of firefighter suicides and the terrible effects they have on families, friends and, in this case, innocent victims. Houston firefighters continue to grieve for the Hamilton and McKay families,” Houston Professional Firefighters Association said in a statement.
Shelley McKay, 61, was killed in the collision; her death has been ruled as a homicide.
Hamilton served the department for 12 years; he leaves behind his wife and two sons.