MADISON COUNTY, Tenn. — A firefighter died Sunday after a tree fell while firefighters were battling a vehicle fire.
The Jackson Sun reported that crews with the Madison County (Tenn.) Fire Department responded to a vehicle fire on a highway. During the fire, a tree broke and fell on top of firefighter Chris Blankenship, trapping him underneath.
Firefighters got Blankenship from under the tree and administered first-aid on scene. They transported him to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
“A very dedicated fireman, and served his county well,” Fire Chief Eric Turner said about Blankenship. “He worked around the firehouse regularly keeping the firehouse up, very dedicated, one you can count on. I consider him a friend. It’s like family. He’ll be missed tremendously.”
Blankenship, 41, had been a member of the fire department for 10 years. He leaves behind a wife and two children.
Funeral arrangements are pending.