By FireRescue1 Staff
NEW BRIDGEVILLE, Pa. — A longtime volunteer firefighter died after suffering a cardiac event when his vehicle crashed and caught fire last Friday.
An autopsy revealed that firefighter Walter “Butch” Fike Jr., 50, suffered a cardiac event when his truck left the road and crashed into a fence, reported YDR. The coroner’s office said Fike suffered no trauma to his body from the crash and that his death was caused by a cardiovascular disease.
Officials said it didn’t appear that Fike attempted to hit the brakes or that his truck slid before crashing, reported the York Dispatch.
Fike, a 33-year veteran, had formerly served as deputy and assistant chief for the New Bridgeville Memorial Fire Company. He also worked with the department’s junior firefighters.
“There’s nobody in this world I’d rather have my back than Butch,” New Bridgeville Assistant Fire Chief Daryl Miller said. “Butch was one hell of a firefighter.”
Funeral services will be held Jan. 12.