‘Next generation’: Iredell County fire department aiding station that lost two firefighters in ATV accident

CLEVELAND, N.C ( QUEEN CITY NEWS ) — The Rowan-Iredell Fire Department is grieving the loss of two firefighters who were killed in an ATV accident while off-duty over the weekend.

The Rowan County Sheriff’s Office identified the volunteer firefighters as Daniel Sell and Jacob Steele. The sheriff said the two men were visiting West Virginia at the time of the accident.

Our sister station WOWK is reporting that according to the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office on June 21 around 6:30 p.m., Sell and Steele were on a side-by-side ATV in the Northfork Hollow area near Gilliam Bottom in southern West Virginia when the pair rolled over a hill and into a creek.

“It’s heartbreaking, because they are the next generation,” said Cool Springs Fire Chief Andy Webster, who is helping handle Rowan-Iredell’s calls while they cope with their loss.

The two rural departments routinely worked together on firefighting exercises and calls.

Queen City News received a statement from Rowan County Emergency Services, on behalf of the Rowan-Iredell Fire Department. The statement reads in full:

“We greatly appreciate the overwhelming community support during this difficult chapter. 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.”

Rowan County Emergency Services shared that the community is planning a processional for the deceased on Tuesday, June 25:

“ Community members, including membership of the fire service, will be supporting both the Steele and Sell families by escorting the deceased and their families from West Virginia to Summerset Funeral Home of Salisbury on Tuesday, June 25th.”

According to the estimated schedule, the escort processional will arrive in Statesville via I-77 at approximately noon on June 25th.

The projected route from Statesville to Salisbury will be I-77 to Hwy 70 to West Innes, ending at Summerset Funeral Home of Salisbury.

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