Stay updated with breaking news from Fire Co. Get real-time updates on events, politics, business, and more. Visit us for reliable news and exclusive interviews.
Matthias Wirtz, the Connecticut firefighter who died while on a call Monday, reportedly was killed by an heart disease-related episode, according to the state's chief medical examiner.
The 22-year veteran was working at the scene of a house fire Monday in North Haven.
NORTH HAVEN, Conn. (AP) — A Connecticut firefighter who collapsed while battling a house blaze earlier this week died of heart-related problems, according to the state's chief medical examiner. Matthias Wirtz, a 22-year veteran of the North Haven Fire Department, had hypertension caused by high blood pressure, hardening of the arteries and an abnormal heart valve, Chief Medical Examiner James Gill said Wednesday.
“He was everybody’s friend. He was a great person. He was a great family man,” the fire chief said. “He would do anything for anybody.”
A mayday call for a “firefighter down" was issued during the attack on the fire, according to a report by the North Haven department.