HOUSTON — A Texas volunteer firefighter has died after he was severely injured during a smoke-diver training class.
Capt. Neal Smith, 46, of the Atasocita Volunteer Fire Department passed out inside the smoke house during a smoke-diving drill at his training grounds in Beaumont, according to KEN5.
“Captain Smith was transported from the field with CPR in progress,” said Atasocita Deputy Chief Mike Mulligan. “They regained pulses on the way to the hospital.”
Admitted to the hospital in critical condition, doctors found that Capt. Smith’s body temperature had soared over 106 degrees. He later died due to his heat-related illness.
“It feel like one of my personal family members is gone,” Chief Mulligan said.
Neal is an 8-year Atasocita veteran and is survived by his wife and two young children.
The State Fire Marshal’s office is heading the official investigation.
Funeral arrangements are pending.