A Florida firefighter died Saturday after suffering a stroke more than two weeks ago, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.
Brad Gregrich, a firefighter and EMT with DeSoto County Fire Rescue, told a colleague he hadn't been feeling well and complained of a headache and fatigue at around 11 p.m. April 14 while on duty at the North Hillsborough station, the USFA said. He returned home the next morning after his shift but still felt sick.
Eventually, Gregrich's wife took him to the hospital, where he was evaluated and released. Once at home, he became unresponsive and 9-1-1 was called.
The 30 year old was rushed to a hospital and later suffered a major stroke. He never regained consciousness and died on Saturday.
“We all kind of looked at each other like we can’t believe this,” firefighter Robert Schmidt told WINK-TV. “He’s 30. This doesn’t happen.”
He is survived by his wife and their son, who turns 1 year old in May.
A memorial service will be Monday at Bayside Community Church, 15800 State Road 64, Bradenton, FL, the fire department said in an update on its Facebook page. Services are open to the public and begin at 11 a.m. A procession will arrive at the church's east side at 9:45 a.m.
