Off-duty Phoenix Firefighter Killed in Fall from Mountain

Aug. 8, 2014
One teen who fell was seriously injured, while the other suffered minor injuries.

An off-duty Phoenix firefighter died during a fall at Camelback Mountain on Friday morning.

Gary Johnstone, a 15-year veteran of the fire department, was rappelling with his teenage son and two other teens, according to KPHO.

Johnstone and the two teens fell about 30 feet, Phoenix Police Sgt. Steve Martos said. His son was not injured.

One of the teenagers is in critical condition and the other is stable. 

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Before joining Phoenix, Johnstone, served with the Sun City Department.

Johnstone, 50, was on the technical rescue team and played the bag pipes for the Phoenix Fire Department's honor guard.

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