Story perspectives

Tragic Crash Claims Lives of Two Firefighters in PA

4/7/2026

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Firefighters Killed in Crash

Chief Jeff Buck and Assistant Chief Robert Shick of the Walnuttown Fire Company died in a crash on April 4 while searching for a missing woman in Berks County, Pennsylvania.
A southbound Toyota Camry swerved off the road and struck their utility vehicle; the 19-year-old driver and a female passenger fled but were later arrested.
Both firefighters died from their injuries at local hospitals, and the fire company will remain out of service until April 11 to honor them.
Autopsies for the firefighters are scheduled for April 6.

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Sepulveda-Rivera Charged After Crash

Alexander Sepulveda-Rivera, a 26-year-old New York man, faces 21 charges, including DUI and homicide by vehicle, after a crash killed Pennsylvania Fire Chief Jeff Buck and Assistant Chief Robert Shick.
The collision occurred on April 4, 2025, on Route 222.
Sepulveda-Rivera told investigators he fell asleep and had used marijuana earlier that day, then fled.
Autopsies for Buck and Shick are scheduled for April 6, 2025.

History

Historical Context

The September 11, 2001 attacks resulted in the deaths of 343 firefighters, emphasizing the inherent dangers of emergency response work. The International Association of Fire Fighters notes that 80% of firefighter fatalities occur during such responses. Recent incidents, including the deaths of Chief Jeff Buck and Assistant Chief Robert Shick in Pennsylvania, highlight the ongoing need for enhanced safety measures for firefighters.

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Firefighters Killed in Crash

Chief Jeff Buck and Assistant Chief Robert Shick of the Walnuttown Fire Company died in a crash on April 4 while searching for a missing woman in Berks County, Pennsylvania.
A southbound Toyota Camry swerved off the road and struck their utility vehicle; the 19-year-old driver and a female passenger fled but were later arrested.
Both firefighters died from their injuries at local hospitals, and the fire company will remain out of service until April 11 to honor them.
Autopsies for the firefighters are scheduled for April 6.

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