BETHLEHEM, N.C. — A volunteer firefighter was killed in a motorcycle crash less than a mile away from his station, Wednesday afternoon.
Bethlehem Fire Department Firefighter Caleb Benfield, 18, was riding his motorcycle when he lost control and was ejected off the bike, according to WSOCTV.
He was participating in a Fire Prevention Week display for school children at his firehouse and had left to go home for lunch. He reportedly was on his way back to the station when the accident occurred. Highway Patrol says that he had locked up a brake, causing him to lose control of the vehicle.
Firefighter Benfield was wearing a helmet at the time.
His fellow firefighters, including his brother, from the Bethlehem Fire Department responded to the scene and are currently working with grief counselors, WSOCTV reported.
He was airlifted to a hospital, but died later that night from his injuries.
Speed is not believed to be a factor in the crash.