La. paramedic dies in weather-related accident

By Brandon Richards
KPLC 7

CAMERON, La. — A Cameron Parish ambulance worker died Friday afternoon, a result of a weather-related accident.

Thomas Widcamp, 38, Grand Lake, died after strong winds knocked a trailer for the Cameron Parish EMS off of its blocks, pinning Widcamp between the building and a car.

Widcamp was airlifted to a Lake Charles hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Widcamp's death has taken an emotional toll on his co-workers.

"He was the first person I saw at work and the last person I saw when I left," said Byron Broussard, Director of Cameron Parish EMS. "Thomas' loss will be felt in many ways by many people, including the people of Cameron Parish."

Widcamp had returned two years ago as a paramedic in Cameron, after working for the parish in the 1990s.

"It was important for him to be a good paramedic and he was," Broussard said. "[He was] also a loyal friend to those he knew. He made your struggles his own."

Widcamp leaves behind a wife, Melissa, four children and a host of other family members.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

Reprinted with permission from KLPC 7.