Firefighter dies while clearing hurricane debris in Bay County

Tree falls on firefighter's tractor, Gulf County authorities say

GULF COUNTY, Fla. – Gulf County Fire Coordinator Brad Price, firefighter and paramedic, was helping to clear some of the debris Hurricane Michael left behind Thursday when a tree fell on his tractor. 

"We are heartbroken to announce the loss of one of our own," the Gulf County Sheriff's Office announced on social media, hours after colleagues found the 49-year-old father of two and youth softball coach from Wewahitchka dead.

Firefighters used a U.S. flag to drape his body and honored Price's service with a procession during the transport to the Bay County medical examiner's office. Public servants from other agencies lined up on the side of the road to salute him. 

Before Price's death more than a week after the storm, Florida authorities reported the Category 4 storm killed 24 people in Florida, bringing the overall death toll to at least 34. There are still water and power outages, hours-long lines for gasoline in the Florida Panhandle.

The Gulf County Fire and Emergency Services also released a statement. 

"To Brad’s entire family and friends, on behalf of all the firefighters and emergency staff in Gulf County, we love you, grieve with you, and are praying for all of you."

Price is survived by his son, Brandon, and his daughter, Ashleigh. 

COMPLETE COVERAGE

 

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The Emmy Award-winning journalist joined the Local 10 News team in 2013. She wrote for the Miami Herald for more than 9 years and won a Green Eyeshade Award.