The Los Angeles Fire Department Tuesday was mourning the loss of a firefighter who died while off-duty, the second such death to hit the department in the past few weeks.
Antonio Acevedo, 46, died Friday, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
No details were released about how the three-year department veteran died. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office reported only that he died in a vehicle, but the cause of death was deferred pending additional tests.
“Every member of this department carries the weight of this loss,” LAFD Chief Jaime Moore said in a statement. “Antonio was part of our family, and his passing leaves a void that will be felt across every station. Our focus right now is on caring for his loved ones and for the members who served alongside him.”
The fire department was providing peer support and other resources to the Acevedo’s family and colleagues.
“This matter is currently under investigation,” according to an LAFD statement. “Out of respect for the process and for the family’s privacy, the department will not be commenting further at this time.”
Acevedo’s death follows that of LAFD member Stan Reza, 35, who was killed July 24 in an off-duty crash on the San Gabriel River (605) Freeway. The crash occurred about 2:20 a.m. on the northbound freeway near Beverly Boulevard, according to the California Highway Patrol. The pickup Reza was driving collided with a big rig and Reza died at the scene from blunt traumatic injuries.