CLAIBORNE COUNTY, Tenn. — A 27-year-old firefighter died Monday after a rollover fire engine crash in Claiborne County on Cedar Fork Road.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol said Roy L. Sewell Jr. was driving the firetruck on Cedar Fork Road near Cedar Grove Road when it ran off the right side of the road. They said the firetruck continued down the embankment, overturned and stopped upside-down.
"Roy was an incredible human being," said North Tazewell Volunteer Fire Chief LaRoy Brandt. "A young guy that actually grew up in the fire department."
THP said the crash happened at around 4:01 p.m. on Monday. No other vehicles were involved in the crash.
Sewell was with the North Tazewell Volunteer Fire Department.
"With a saddened heart, we mourn the recent loss of our fallen brother, Captain Roy Sewell. We ask that you please respect his family at this time and them in thoughts in this hard time. Roy represented the best of us all. We love you brother," the VFD said. "Greater love hath no man than this."
The Tazewell Police Department said Sewell was responding to a request for a landing zone for a LIFESTAR helicopter before the crash.
"Stepping up to say I'll be there when you need me," said Brandt. "That embodies Roy. His last call on the radio was, 'Where do you need me?'"
"We offer our condolences to his family and our brothers and sisters in the fire service. Thank you Captain Sewell for your service," TPD said.
Other Tennessee organizations offered their condolences.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Sewell family and the North Tazewell Fire Department during this horrible tragedy," the Putnam County Fire Department said.
According to the Claiborne-Overholt Funeral Home, a celebration of life will be held on April 29 at 2 p.m. in the Claiborne High School auditorium with Pastor Scott Cannon officiating.