By Bill Carey
FireRescue1
FORT MYERS, Fla. — The Fort Myers Fire Department announced that a firefighter recruit died on July 11 after completing his physical assessment and evaluation.
Fire Chief Tracy McMillion said the department is experiencing “heavy hearts” over the loss of Nathaniel Lee Wilcox, 22, from Cutler Bay, FOX4 reported.
The department plans to make Wilcox an honorary firefighter.
McMillion said Wilcox had medical complications during the physical assessment evaluation and said he was not feeling well but showed no signs of heat exhaustion, WINK reported.
An investigation has begun on the cause of Wilcox’s death. His family is awaiting the results of an autopsy.
Trending
Stay current on NIOSH program layoffs, the status of the National Fire Academy and changes to FEMA
A 19-year-old Marion County rookie says co-workers restrained, beat and waterboarded him during his second shift while trying to force his phone passcode, prompting firings and criminal charges
Lincoln firefighters rescued residents and then shifted to defensive operations as a predawn attic fire destroyed the historic Apollo Apartments
Hartford firefighters faced heavy fire conditions at an abandoned three-story apartment building in the South End and operated defensively