By FireRescue1 Staff
LAMAR COUNTY, Miss. — Two volunteer firefighters were killed after being struck by a hit-and-run driver Wednesday.
The Clarion-Ledger reported that firefighters Clinton Alvin Beasley, 80, and Loretta Ann Sykes, 53, with the Sumrall Volunteer Fire Department, were directing traffic at a crash scene when they were hit by a driver. They both died of blunt force trauma.
“This is rocking Lamar County and Sumrall to the core, I don’t know that we’ve ever lost two firefighters on duty in the history of Lamar County,” Sheriff Danny Rigel said. “Sumrall is a small town and everyone knows everyone. This is really tragic.”
The driver, 31-year-old Chance Eaton, has been charged with hit-and-run and causing death, WDAM reported. Other charges are pending.
Another volunteer firefighter was injured in the incident and transported by ambulance to a hospital.
The incident is under investigation. We will update you once more information becomes available.