Beloved Firefighter Killed While Helping Stranded Motorist Change Flat Tire

A 29-year-old Ohio firefighter was killed while helping a stranded motorist change a flat tire when another driver slammed into the group, authorities said.

The deadly three-vehicle crash happened at approximately 3 a.m. on Saturday, July 18, in Pepper Pike, Ohio.

Police officers responding to the scene discovered three damaged vehicles and found a man and woman trapped between two of them.

Emergency crews immediately began lifesaving efforts, but the man died at the scene. The woman was rushed to a hospital by the Pepper Pike Fire Department with serious injuries and was later listed in stable condition.

The victim was identified by the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner’s Office as Cameron Duvall, 29, of Northfield.

Investigators said the frightening chain of events began when one vehicle became disabled because of a flat tire. The driver called for roadside assistance, and Duvall arrived with a woman to help.

The pair parked their vehicle in front of the stranded car and began working near its trunk.

“While they were working near the trunk of the disabled vehicle, a third motorist struck them and the disabled vehicle,” Pepper Pike police said.

The driver of the third vehicle was arrested and charged with aggravated vehicular homicide, aggravated vehicular assault, operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and failing to maintain an assured clear distance ahead.

Authorities have not publicly released the driver’s name.

“The City of Pepper Pike extends our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of these two victims, along with everyone affected by this tragic incident,” police said.

Duvall had served with the North Randall Fire Department since 2022.

North Randall Mayor David Smith and Fire Chief Marshall Shorts said he quickly became a respected member of the department and took great pride in serving the same community where he lived.

“His dedication, professionalism and willingness to serve others exemplified the very best of our department and our Village,” their statement read.

They said Duvall’s death was being deeply felt by fellow firefighters, police officers, village employees, elected officials and residents throughout North Randall.

The North Randall Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 5365 also honored Duvall in an emotional tribute, calling him “a hero, a brother and a friend.”

“Thank you for your service, your strength and your brotherhood,” the group wrote. “You will never be forgotten.”

The union also shared a photograph of Duvall’s firefighter gear, including a jacket bearing his name.

The crash remains under investigation.