Tenn. Firefighter Dies After Being Struck by Tree
Source Firehouse.com News
A Madison County firefighter died after a tree fell while firefighters were battling a vehicle fire.
Chris Blankenship, a 10-year member of the Madison County Fire Department, responded to a vehicle fire at Highway 18 and Medon-Malesus Road Sunday morning. The fire was a result of a vehicle accident, according to release from the fire department.
While crews were tackling the fire, a tree unexpectedly fell on top of Blankenship. He was trapped beneath the tree and the ground.
Crews quickly removed him from underneath the tree and administered medical treatment.
Blankenship was transported to Jackson Madison County General Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries, according to the department.
Blankenship leaves behind a wife, Ashley Chism Blankenship and two children, Baily and Chase.
He was assigned to Madison County Fire Station 2.
"We ask the public for special prayers for the Blankenship family and the entire Madison County Fire Department," Madison County Fire Chief Eric Turner said.
