Georgia Firefighter Dies in Explosion While Battling Truck Blaze: 'His Legacy Will Forever Inspire Us'

Mar. 15, 2025

Greene County Fire Rescue’s Battalion Chief, Chris Eddy.Photo:Greene County Board of Commissioners/Facebook

Greene County Board of Commissioners/Facebook

A beloved Georgia firefighter was killed in the line of duty this week after an explosion while battling a truck fire.

The Greene County Board of Commissionerssaid in a post on Facebookthat Greene County Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Chris Eddy — who was assigned to the county’s Station 11 — died on Wednesday, Sept 4. At the time, Greene County Fire Rescue shared in a public statement that it had “no words right now” and that Eddy’s fellow firefighters were “truly in disbelief.”

“Pray for our department over the next few days and weeks ahead,” the initial Facebook noteread. “RIP Chief Eddy!

Eddy was killed in an explosion while battling a truck fire, according to Fox affiliateWAGA,The Union-RecorderandThe Morgan County Citizen, as well as afundraiser in honor of the late firefighter.

Before 10 a.m. local time on Wednesday, fire crews were called to Athens Highway at Lick Skillet Road near Greensboro, per WAGA, where an explosion took place.

Per theCitizen, an official said the “violent explosion” happened when the back of a trailer was opened.

“At the present time we do not know all the details surrounding the incident, however I feel confident in the coming weeks we will learn more about all that occurred resulting in this tragic event,” Morgan County Fire Chief Garret Smith said in a statement, per theCitizen. “I ask that we allow the investigation into the circumstances to unfold and resist speculating and spreading inaccurate information.”

Smith added that Eddy was “a fireman’s fireman” — someone who was “always ready to help, always willing to teach, and always ready to respond.”

According to WAGA andThe Union-Recorder, an autopsy will determine his cause of death.

The fundraiser, set up via the Yard Foundation, noted that his “courage and unwavering commitment to serving the community will never be forgotten.” More than $19,000 of its $25,000 goal has been raised as of Friday, Sept. 6.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Green County Fire Rescue shared in aFacebook postthat Eddy’s family includes his wife Lindsey and son Bryson, while sharing a touching video compilation featuring images of Eddy.

source: people.com