A Gassaway (WV) firefighter has died while trying to save a mother and child after a crash into the Elk River on Sunday, according to reports.
Firefighter John D. Forbush, 24, died in the line of duty while attempting the rescue on May 1, 2022. According to wvmetronews.com, a woman lost control of her vehicle at about 2:30 p.m. in the parking lot near the Braxton County Senior Center, ending up in the Elk River. Several firefighters and police officers entered the water in an attempt to rescue the woman and her young daughter, who were trapped in the vehicle; both the mother, child, and Firefighter Forbush died.
The incident is under investigation by the Braxton County Sheriff’s Department and West Virginia State police.
According to the U.S. Fire Administration notification, on Sunday, May 1, 2022, Firefighter John Dean Forbush responded to the scene of a vehicle crash at the Elk River in Braxton County, West Virginia. While attempting to rescue a mother and daughter after their SUV was driven into the water, he was caught in the current and drowned. The vehicle crash is being reported as a murder-suicide. Investigation into the incident continues.
