By FireRescue1 Staff
CHRISTIAN COUNTY, Mo. — A 19-year-old firefighter was killed Friday night in a single-vehicle crash.
Andrew C. Iorg was one of two passengers in a pickup truck when the vehicle veered off the road, struck a tree and overturned, reported the Springfield News-Leader.
The driver, Weston Smith, 16, and another passenger, Tristan Weter, 17, were transported to the hospital after the crash. Iorg was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Sparta Fire Protection District wrote the following statement on their Facebook page regarding Iorg’s death:
“It’s with a heavy heart we report the loss of one of our own firefighters. FF Cole Iorg lost his life in a motor vehicle accident last night. Cole was new to the fire service but was carrying on a family tradition, he was following in his father and grandfather’s footsteps. Cole made a big impact on all of us here at Sparta and he will be missed dearly. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends in this hard time.”
Iorg was a third-generation firefighter, and had joined the district four months prior to his death.
“He was an awesome kid … and he was dedicated for the short time he was here. He was here to help this community, what’s what he wanted to do,” firefighter Nathan Messenger told KY3.
When firefighters responded to the crash, they were unaware that one of their own was involved.
“He’s one of those guys that’s gonna leave a lasting impression. I know I won’t ever forget him,” firefighter Kevin Beaver said.
Officials said none of the three occupants were wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.