Out-of-state ATV accident leaves two Rowan-Iredell firefighters dead
Published 1:43 pm Sunday, June 23, 2024
Two firefighters from western Rowan County were killed in an incident described by the town of Cleveland Facebook page as an ATV accident.
According to the post from the town, the accident, which left the two Rowan-Iredell Fire Department personnel dead, happened in West Virginia, while they were on vacation.
Rowan-Iredell Chief Jared Webb said on Sunday that his department was notified of the two firefighters’ deaths late Friday. Other details surrounding the accident, including time and exact location were not readily available.
A statement from the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office identified the two victims.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of Daniel Sell and Jacob Steele as well as the Rowan Iredell Fire Department,” the statement said.
“We lost two very important people to this community,” Webb said on Sunday.
Cleveland’s town post extended thoughts and prayers to the families and friends of the deceased as well.
“We pray that all find peace and comfort during this difficult time,” it said.
A Sunday email from Rowan County Emergency Services Planner Allyson Summitt included a statement from the Rowan-Iredell Fire Department.
“We greatly appreciate the overwhelming community support during this difficult chapter,” it said. “At this time, we ask for understanding that while this was not a department-related death, we need time to process the loss of our beloved brothers. That said, out of respect to the family, since this incident happened on personal time and we do not know specific details, we will not share any further information. Again, thank you for understanding and giving us the space to allow processing and healing as we mourn this loss in our family.”
