Beloved North Summit firefighter dies after tragic accident

A screenshot shows a GoFundMe campaign for firefighter Alan Powell. | GoFundMe

SALT LAKE CITY — A volunteer firefighter with the North Summit Fire District who has been praised for his years of work to keep his hometown community of Tollgate Canyon safe has died after being critically injured in an accident a few weeks ago.

“The North Summit Fire District has lost one of its own in a tragic off duty accident. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this time. Until our friend is laid to rest the North Summit Fire District fire stations will fly our flags at half-staff. Rest In Peace, Brother,” the fire district posted on its Facebook page Tuesday.

The North Summit Fire District has lost one of its own in a tragic off duty accident. Our thoughts and prayers are with...

Posted by North Summit Fire Service District on Tuesday, September 1, 2020

In mid August, Alan Powell fell 14 feet from a crane truck with a bucket and broke multiple ribs, his pelvis and fractured bones along his spine, according to family members.

In a post Tuesday on a GoFundMe page established for him, Powell’s wife, Linda Powell, shared the heartbreaking news.

“Tragically my soulmate, husband, and best friend Alan Powell passed away around 2 am yesterday August 31st. He was recovering as best he could but there was likely a blood clot, we may know more later. The sorrow and pain I feel losing my mountain man is indescribable. I’m devastated and am surrounded with family now,” she wrote.

North Summit Fire Chief Ian Nelson said Powell played a huge role in getting a fire station built in Tollgate and getting Tollgate to become part of the North Summit Fire District.

“He was a very dedicated volunteer,” the chief said.

Tributes filled social media on Tuesday in honor of Powell, as well as condolences to his wife.

“Alan Powell was such a hero in our own community of Tollgate Canyon. He will be missed, greatly!! He was loved by all the neighbors & our hearts are breaking for his wife,” one man wrote.

“I’m shocked and there are no words to express how much I appreciate having known Alan and his selfless help to so many,” wrote another woman.

“Lisa this community stands with you in shock and grief. Alan committed so much of himself to help others. His loss will be felt deeply, but his memory will be celebrated,” another woman wrote.

“This is shocking and so incredibly sad, I’m so very sorry to hear this. Alan was the ultimate take his shirt off his back to help others kind of guy,” wrote another.

Lisa Powell said donations made to the GoFundMe page will now go toward her husband’s memorial. After his body is cremated, she plans to go on a trip with his ashes to Alaska, the only U.S. state her husband had not visited, she said.

from Deseret News https://ift.tt/2EUYOME