CRAWFORD, N.Y. — A 20-year-old firefighter was stabbed to death at a New Year’s party after he tried to break up a fight between two groups of guests.
WABC reported that Justin Speights was stabbed following the argument and others inside the party tried to revive him. He was taken to a hospital, where he later died.
He did not live in the house where the party was held. About 80 to 120 people attended. His mother said her son tried to protect a friend who was getting beat up.
“He was a great kid, quiet, helped anybody out. He was himself at home, fun, jokester,” his mother Lisa Speights said.
The party was attended by current and former Pine Bush High School students. Police said a group of outsiders crashed the party at some point.
“At this time we are trying to ascertain who the altercation was between. At some point during this altercation Mr. Speights was stabbed to death,” said Police Major Joseph Tripodo.
Speights graduated two years ago from Pine Bush High School, where he was an honor student and standout football player. He was also a volunteer firefighter with Silver Lake Fire Department.
He joined the department when he was 16.
“Everybody loved him. Everybody took him serious because he took his job very serious as a volunteer firefighter,” firefighter Jeff Jacques said.
The investigation is ongoing and police are asking that anyone with information call (845) 344-5300.