BILLERICA, Mass. — A firefighter died Thursday night after his snowmobile collided with a tree.
Boston Globe reported that firefighter David Silva, 39, missed a turn while driving on a snowmobile trail. He was found by two friends who were also on snowmobiles. One of them stayed with him, while the other rode off to call for help.
Despite the efforts made by rescuers, firefighter Silva died at the scene from severe injuries. The incident was handled completely in the dark in below-freezing temperatures, according to the report.
Officials said they didn’t believe drugs or alcohol were factors in the crash, but that Silva was possibly distracted while driving.
Silva had been a firefighter in Billerica since January 2000. He served as an instructor in the SAFE programs, Student Awareness of Fire Education and Senior Awareness of Fire Safety, a fire official said.
“He was quick-witted and would make you smile,” Billerica Deputy Fire Chief Tom Ferraro said. “He was a great family man. His children and family were his life.”
Chief Ferraro said Silva was an instrumental figure in making sure local seniors had the number of the fire department handy in their house.
Silva leaves his wife, his 13-year-old son, and his 11-year-old daughter. Funeral arrangements are pending.