A Huntsville Fire and Rescue cadet died Thursday after a training exercise, city officials said.
Bryant McGowan, 31, died Thursday at Huntsville Hospital. McGowan was training to be a firefighter and became “medically distressed” during the exercise. He was assisted on-site by a paramedic and transported by ambulance to Huntsville Hospital where he later died.
An autopsy is being conducted to determine the cause of death.
Mayor Tommy Battle asked the community to pray for McGowan’s family, friends and colleagues.
“We are thinking of Bryant’s loved ones during this difficult time,” he said. “Bryant was a promising cadet who had a great career ahead of him as a firefighter with Huntsville Fire and Rescue. We are grieving the loss of one of our team members and know he will be missed by many.”
Huntsville Fire and Rescue Chief Howard “Mac” McFarlen said the department has been in touch with McGowan’s family and will provide peer support to employees.
“Our department is devastated to lose one of its own,” he said. “We will do everything in our power to ensure our employees get the support they need. Our thoughts are with Bryant’s wife and family.”
The incident is under investigation.
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