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Veteran Ill. firefighter dies unexpectedly

Nick Whitfield Jr., 48, was found with no signs of life at his home; an autopsy found significant cardiac disease

The Pantagraph

NORMAL, Ill. — Normal Firefighter/Engineer Nick Whitfield Jr. of Danvers died unexpectedly Tuesday, the fire department announced.

Whitfield, 48, whose last shift was Sunday, was found with no signs of life at 6:50 a.m. at his home, according to McLean County Coroner Beth Kimmerling. An autopsy Tuesday found significant cardiac disease, she said.

Whitfield became a firefighter in November 1995 and was assigned to the second shift at Fire Station 2 at Gregory and Adelaide streets as the engineer of Engine 10. He also was an active member of the department’s fire investigation team.

“This is a tremendous loss for our department both personally and professionally,” Fire Chief Mick Humer said in a prepared statement. “Nick was a talented fire investigator and a friend to all of us. We ask that you keep his family in your prayers.”

Memorial service arrangements are pending, Swaney said.

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