An off-duty Los Angeles firefighter was killed in a car crash in the early morning hours Friday, the Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed, leaving the department reeling as officials keep tight control on the few details they are willing to share so far.
The firefighter's name has not been released while authorities work to notify family members. The department has also not disclosed where the wreck occurred or how it happened.
According to NBC Los Angeles, the LAFD said the employee was killed during the early morning hours and that the California Highway Patrol is handling the investigation. The department did not specify the exact time of the crash.
Fire Chief Jaime Moore said, "Our thoughts are with the Firefighter's family, and with every member of this department who is grieving alongside them." The department also asked the public to keep its members, and their families and friends, in their thoughts during what it called a very difficult time, according to NBC Los Angeles.
Investigation Still Tightly Under Wraps
The California Highway Patrol is leading the crash investigation but so far has not revealed the location of the collision, what may have caused it or whether any other vehicles were involved.
The LAFD said it is focused on reaching the firefighter's family before making any public identification and has declined to release additional information while that process is underway.
Recent Losses Rock The Department
The crash adds to a string of recent tragedies for the LAFD. The city has already seen other off-duty deaths among its ranks this year, including the July 10 death of Captain Christopher Yokoyama while on vacation, as reported in Wyoming getaway turns tragic.
The department also publicly mourned Firefighter Connor J. Lees after his death in a diving incident off Long Beach, according to a statement from the Los Angeles Fire Department.
What Happens Next
Authorities typically release more details once next-of-kin notifications are complete and preliminary crash findings are in hand. For now, the department is asking for patience while investigators work and the firefighter's family absorbs the news.
This story will be updated as the California Highway Patrol and the LAFD provide further information.
