Members of Macon County Fire Rescue are mourning the loss of a 29-year-old firefighter who died after being injured over the weekend.
Darrell Plank was a member of the department for 10 years.
Officials told The Macon Telegraph that Plank was struck in the head by a metal coupling when the hoseline was caught in a snag at a Taylor County fire scene May 20.
According to a release from the U.S. Fire Administration, Plank was in the process of donning his protective equipment when he was struck.
He was rushed to the hospital where officials said he suffered a traumatic brain injury and suffered a stroke on the left side of his brain.
He died around 7 p.m. on May 23.
Plank leaves behind a wife and five children.
"He lived his life wide open," Macon County Fire Chief Micah Kauffman told local television station WGXA. "He was very passionate about everything he did."
Plank, a carpenter, volunteered with fire departments in Macon and Montezuma counties and was a sports coach.
"He's giving of himself in an unselfish manner, knowing the risks and knowing there is no benefit other than helping a fellow human," said Kauffman.
The following message was posted on the Praying for Darrell Facebook page Tuesday evening: "Darrell has went on to his eternal reward! so many questions in our hearts but we serve a mighty God that knows even though we don't understand. Thank you all for your prayers and support! Please continue to pray for The family"
A GoFundMe page was established to help Plank's family.
