FOREST, Va. — A volunteer fire department is mourning the loss of a firefighter who died Monday after a sudden illness.
WSLS10.com reported that firefighter Zane “Zippy” Robertson, with the Brookville-Timberlake Volunteer Fire Department, died after checking into a hospital Friday. He was an 11-year fire service veteran.
“I saw him Thursday evening and we had a really short conversation,” Fire Chief Jerry Womack said. “I never had any idea that it would be the last time I got to speak to him.”
Chief Womack said Robertson had flu-like symptoms, but doctors don’t know what caused his sudden death. He leaves behind two young children.
“He stepped in a lot of positions and was a super guy to be around,” Chief Womack said.
Robertson’s visitation will be held Friday, April 8 from 5-7 p.m. at Timberlake United Methodist Church. A funeral will follow Saturday, April 9 at 11 a.m. at Timberlake United Methodist Church.
The fire department will be collecting donations for his family to help offset medical expenses and create a fund for his two children.