Kings Creek firefighter dies in Caldwell County crash

CALDWELL COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — The Kings Creek Fire Department is mourning the loss of one of their firefighters who passed away in a car accident.

Sunday morning, around 4:08 a.m., the Kings Creek Fire Department and State Highway Patrol responded to a motor vehicle accident involving entrapment on Blue Creek Road near Grandin Road in Caldwell County.

First responders discovered a 2018 Dodge Ram 2500 that had collided with a tree. The driver was occupied by firefighter Zachary Hatton, a member of the fire department, and he was trapped inside the vehicle.

Troopers say Hatton was traveling west on Blue Creek Road when he lost control and drove off the side of the road before colliding with a tree.

The Lenior Fire Department, Valmead Fire Department, Caldwell County Emergency Services and EMS worked to extricate Hatton from the vehicle. Hatton succumbed to his injuries during the extrication process.

The initial investigation by the State Highway Patrol determined that speed and alcohol were not contributing factors in the crash.

Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.

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