Volunteer Firefighter, 24, Dies in Train Crash but Continues Saving Lives Through Organ Donation

Mar. 15, 2025

Zach Golley.Photo:Zach Golley/Facebook

Zach Golley/Facebook

A New York volunteer firefighter who was killed in a crash is now continuing to save lives as an organ donor.

The collision that killed 24-year-old Zach Golley occurred on Thursday, Feb. 27, and involved a train, according toNBC affiliate WGRZ.

Zach was an assistant chief with theEllicottville Volunteer Fire Departmentin Cattaraugus County, as noted on the department’s Facebook page.

His colleagues at the local fire department were among those who responded to the crash, WGRZ reported.

Zach Golley.Village of Ellicottville

Village of Ellicottville

“I don’t have any words but appreciate everyone’s support,” they said. “I promise we have read the messages and felt all the Love.”

In addition to working with the Ellicottville Volunteer Fire Department, Zach was also “a valued member” of Ellicottville’s public works department,village officialssaid in a statement.

Zach was engaged to be married and shared a newborn daughter with his fiancée, according to his obituary.

He also had his own business called “Zach of All Trades,” where he did landscaping, plowing, moving, scrapping “and whatever odd jobs came calling his name.”

They added, “Zach, your absence will be deeply felt❤️.”

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TheEllicottville Police Department(EPD) also paid tribute to Zach on Facebook, describing him as “the embodiment of selflessness and heroism” who was “always going above and beyond in his service to others.”

His dedication and kindness, they added, “left an indelible mark on every member of the police department.”

“Zach touched each of our lives in a unique and meaningful way, and his presence will be deeply missed,” police said. “We are forever grateful for his contributions and the positive impact he made, not just in our department, but in the community he served with unwavering commitment.”

More than $53,000 has been raised through aGoFundMe campaignstarted to support his family.

His funeral will be held on Friday, March 7, according to his obituary.

source: people.com