Menu

Topics

Connect

Comments

Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.

Castor firefighter dies in crash on the way to a call: ‘An absolute nightmare’

A small community southeast of Edmonton is mourning the loss of a volunteer firefighter killed in the line of duty. Stephen Rayfield leaves behind a young family. Chris Chacon spoke with the mayor of Castor Sunday afternoon about the tragedy – Feb 6, 2022

The town of Castor, Alta., is mourning the loss of a firefighter who died on the way to a call Friday evening.

Story continues below advertisement

Volunteer firefighters were responding to a collision on Highway 599.

“The roads were extremely icy, and travel was hazardous,” the town said in a Facebook post on Saturday.

“However, as our firemen always go above and beyond the call of duty, they went out despite the conditions.”

A fire truck lost control and rolled, resulting in injuries to Fire Chief Patrick Kelly, who has since been released from hospital, and the death of firefighter Stephen Rayfield.

Castor firefighter Stephen Rayfield died in a crash on Feb. 4, 2022. Courtesy: Kevin Sabo/Black Press News Media

“It’s a huge loss for our community,” Mayor Richard Elhard told Global News, noting how “integral and involved” Rayfield was. “He just fit in with everybody so well.

Story continues below advertisement

“It’s just affected this community in the most horrific way. It’s just been an absolute nightmare for us because Stephen lived and worked here for several years, a firefighter for several years.”

Elhard said Rayfield, who was from England, leaves behind a wife and a young son.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Rayfield family,” the town said in the Facebook post.

“This has been a traumatic event for all our firefighters and their families, so please support them in any way you can in the coming days.”

The Alberta Fire Fighters Association sent its condolences to the town: “Thoughts of strength are with all the responders involved. It’s never easy losing one of your own. Please take care of each other.”

Story continues below advertisement
Firefighters (from left) Taylor Nichols, Stephen Rayfield, Sean Baldwin and Brad Plenhert. Courtesy: Kevin Sabo/Black Press News Media

Alberta EMS also offered condolences.

Castor is about 140 kilometres east of Red Deer.

Advertisement

You are viewing an Accelerated Mobile Webpage.

View Original Article