A firefighter from Truro, N.S., who was critically injured during training exercises earlier this month has died from his injuries.
Skyler Blackie, 28, passed away on Wednesday.
In a family statement, his sister Jessica Gillis called Blackie “a truly beautiful soul and dedicated firefighter.”
“On behalf of the Blackie family, we would like to thank the Truro and Halifax fire services for their support during this challenging time. We also are so appreciative of the professional care Skyler received from the ICU nurses, doctors, and staff at the QEII Health Sciences Centre – Halifax Infirmary Site,” the statement reads.
“We want to also thank the community at large for their prayers and support; they have not gone unnoticed.”
Gillis says Blackie was a son, brother, husband and uncle, and that his loss is a “huge void that now exists in our lives.”
Truro Fire Service Chief Blois Currie says Blackie had been with the fire service for five and a half years.
“He was a great guy, caring, loving,” said Currie. “Just a part of our family.”
Blackie was injured on March 9 during a training session at the Nova Scotia Firefighters School in Waverley, N.S.
In a statement at the time, the school said their staff gave immediate medical attention before the firefighter was taken to hospital by ambulance.
The province’s Department of Labour has been investigating the incident.
Meanwhile, Blackie’s colleagues are still coming to term with the loss.
“We’re dealing with it the best way we can,” said Currie.
“We have everybody here. We’re just trying to work through it.”
A full regimental funeral is planned for March 30 at the Colchester Legion Stadium.
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