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Line-of-Duty Death (LODD)

Va. assistant fire chief dies after 2016 swiftwater rescue injury

Eagle Rock Assistant Fire Chief Alan Wright suffered cardiac arrest after being struck by debris during a 2016 flood rescue in Alleghany County

October 07, 2026 09:22 AM • 
Bill Carey

BOTETOURT COUNTY, Va. — Botetourt County is mourning the loss of Assistant Fire Chief Alan Wright of the Eagle Rock Volunteer Fire Department.

Botetourt County Fire and EMS stated on Facebook that he was critically injured while serving his community during a swiftwater rescue in June 2016.

| MORE: Go/no-go technical rescue: A swiftwater scenario

Wright was attempting to help rescue a family during flooding in Alleghany County, the Fincastle Herald reported. As a member of the Eagle Rock Volunteer Fire Department’s Swift Water Rescue Team, Wright and fellow team members Chris Keyser and Travis Smith were navigating the flooded stream when a submerged object struck them and the rushing water pulled them under.

Wright went into cardiac arrest, was resuscitated, stabilized and transferred to a Roanoke hospital. He later continued rehabilitation at home.

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Firefighter Death Line-of-Duty Death (LODD) Water Rescue
Bill Carey
Bill Carey
Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at news@lexipol.com.