The sudden death of a firefighter who collapsed while preparing to respond to a call in Quincy has left families in mourning.
John Austin, 37, collapsed shortly after 3 p.m. Monday while he and others were getting ready to respond to an emergency, Quincy fire officials told reporters.
Austin's colleagues in the Copeland Street fire station immediately responded to his aid, and the resuscitative efforts continued en route to Quincy Medical Center. However, he was pronounced dead a short time later, The Patriot Ledger reported.
Quincy Deputy Fire Chief Joseph Jackson said the department was not aware of any exisiting medical conditions, adding that the cause of death is pending an autopsy.
Jackson wouldn’t provide any additional information about Austin's death.
“Our focus is going to be on John’s family the next few days,” he said..
Austin joined the U.S.Marine Corps after graduating from high school, his friends told the paper.
His death has left his family, his fire service family and his fellow Marines grieving.
Funeral arrangements will be posted when they become available.
