Missouri teenager serving as firefighter tragically dies while on duty

Missouri officials said a 16-year-old firefighter was killed in the line of duty while responding to a call for service over the weekend.

Chevy Gall, a firefighter with the all-volunteer Beaufort-Leslie Fire Protection District, was involved in a motor vehicle crash at approximately 4:15 p.m. Saturday while responding to a reported water rescue, according to the department. 

Gall, 16, “sustained critical injuries and was transported to Mercy Washington Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased,” the Beaufort-Leslie Fire Protection District said.

The Chief Mason Griffith Foundation announced Gall’s death on social media. 

“In a heartbreaking turn of events, he became involved in a motor vehicle accident and, despite the tireless efforts of medical professionals, succumbed to his injuries in the hospital,” the nonprofit, which supports first responders, said. “Chevy’s passing leaves behind his loving parents and two siblings, who are engulfed in grief.”

The Beaufort-Leslie Fire Protection District shared a photo of the uniform of fallen firefighter Chevy Gall. (Beaufort-Leslie Fire Protection District)

The nonprofit said Gall’s family was already mourning the loss of his uncle, aunt and cousins “who were killed in a separate accident” at the time of the young firefighter’s death. 

“This unimaginable situation has cast a shadow over our entire community, reminding us of the tremendous sacrifices our first responders make every day,” the foundation wrote, asking for donations for the family. 

An American flag was raised on Sunday over the I-270 overpass, which multiple agencies lined with emergency vehicles during the dignified transfer of Gall to Washington, Missouri.