By Ricardo Roura
Apr 16, 2024, 1:38 PM EDT
The authorities investigate the hit-and-run case in which a Latino recruit firefighter died early Monday morning on the 101 Freeway in the Studio City area.
The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) said that the deceased recruit firefighter, identified as Jacob Fuerte, 22 years old“may have been involved in a traffic collision” at approximately 5:14 a.m. near Vineland Avenue while en route to training.
“He got out of his vehicle, probably to assess the situation and provide help to anyone who needed it, when he was hit by another vehicle“LAFD spokesman Erik Scott said on social media.
The California Highway Patrol An investigation into the hit-and-run accident in which the Latino recruit firefighter died is ongoing.
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Jacob Fuerte died at the place where he was hit by the other car despite the efforts of emergency teams who provided medical attentionincluding paramedics from the fire department.
Due to the car accident, authorities closed lanes of the northbound Freeway 101 for several hours while agents carried out the corresponding investigations.
Strong’s body was covered with an American flag and placed inside a coroner’s van.
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Around 10:30 am, a procession of LAFD vehicles accompanied the body of the recruit firefighter from the scene of the accident to the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office in Boyle Heights.
“This morning (Monday) I received the devastating news that one of our firefighters tragically lost his life. He had just started his career as a firefighter, which requires courage, bravery and prioritizing others before oneself“LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley said in a statement.
“Our thoughts and prayers remain with his family. during this very difficult time,” Chief Crowley added.
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Strong was son of a firefighter/paramedic with a 17-year career in the LAFD. Jacob is survived by his father, two sisters and a brother.
The Latino firefighter recruit joined the fire department on February 12 and was in week 10 of a 20-week training program to become a firefighter.
Spokesman Scott said Fuerte was raised in an LAFD family and He understood the importance of providing help to those most in need..
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As of Tuesday morning, no information had been provided about the driver or the characteristics of the vehicle involved in the fatal hit and run case.
If anyone has information that could assist in the investigation, they are asked to contact the California Highway Patrol West Valley Office at 818-888-0980.
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