St. Jacob firefighter killed in violent crash

It is just a few miles southeast of Edwardsville to get to St. Jacob, the small town that is today mourning the loss of one of its residents. The 30-year-old had already put in a decade as an on-call firefighter with Swansea’s fire department.

The firefighter was married and the proud father of an 18-month-old son, who will now grow up without his dad. The man law enforcement officials believe caused the violent collision in a St. Louis County intersection has been arrested on a charge of involuntary manslaughter.

According to police officials, the firefighter was attempting to make a left-hand turn at Page Avenue and North Warson Road near Overland when the 21-year-old’s Camaro slammed into his Chevrolet Cruze broadside with such force that the Cruze was knocked onto its side.

A St. Louis County spokesperson said the firefighter was alone at the time of the crash and died at the scene.

The Camaro driver was also alone in his vehicle. He stayed at the scene of the wreck.

The firefighter was like other on-call Swansea firefighters: he had a regular, full-time job outside of the department. He worked as a delivery driver for a St. Louis County company, a news article stated.

But his roots in public service run deep: his father is also a Swansea firefighter and his grandfather retired from the department as assistant chief.

We don’t yet know why the collision occurred, but we do know that in many similar crashes excess speed, distraction or impairment play important roles.

If you or a loved one has been harmed in a motor vehicle accident, contact an Edwardsville law firm experienced in personal injury and wrongful death litigation.