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Va. firefighter dies after responding to structure collapse

The 70-year-old Boiling Springs firefighter was found outside having suffered from cardiac arrest

ALLEGHANY COUNTY, Va. — The Boiling Springs Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department is mourning the loss of 49-year veteran firefighter Steve A. Weikle, who died in the line of duty at age 70.

On Feb. 13, Weikle responded to a structure collapse that had trapped farm animals inside, WSET reported.

While no firefighters were injured while removing animals, Weikle suffered cardiac arrest shortly after, outside his home, according to the department.

The department stated that because his medical emergency occurred within 24 hours of active duty, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation recognizes his passing as a line-of-duty death.

Weikle will be laid to rest with full fire department honors.

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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.