Heart Issues Eyed in Ohio Firefighter's Sudden Death

July 5, 2012
Scioto County Coroner Dr. Darren Adams says Nile Township Firefighter Rocky E. Dunkin's death was most likely caused by a heart issue.

Scioto County Coroner Dr. Darren Adams says New Boston Firefighter Rocky E. Dunkin did not die of any trauma.

The Portsmouth Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol said that around 2:30 a.m. Sunday, Dunkin, age 24, a full-time member of the New Boston Fire Department, who had also been working as a Nile Township volunteer firefighter, was at the scene of an injury crash on U.S. 52 near Friendship when he fell unconscious while he was in the process of assisting medical personnel. He was discovered by fellow firefighters and transported to Southern Ohio Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at about 3:15 a.m.

Scioto County Coroner Dr. Darren Adams said Dunkin was taken to the Montgomery County Coroner's Office for an autopsy, and Monday evening he received a preliminary autopsy report.

"Pending final pathology reports, we believe he died of a possible heart issue," Adams said.

Adams said there will not be a final finding until toxicology reports come in. That usually takes several weeks.

"But we know that he did not die of any trauma," he said.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Saturday, July 7, 2012, at the Portsmouth West High School in West Portsmouth with interment in Friendship Cemetery with graveside rites by the Firefighters Honor Guard.

Friends may call at the Portsmouth West High School on Friday from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. and one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Arrangements are under the direction of the Roger W. Davis Funeral Home in West Portsmouth.

Copyright 2012 - Portsmouth Daily Times, Ohio

McClatchy-Tribune News Service

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