Savannah firefighter dies after river rescue

SAVANNAH, Ga. — A Savannah firefighter is dead and dozens of people were injured after a loading dock near River Street collapsed Saturday afternoon.

The collapse dumped more about 50 people into the Savannah River, authorities tell ABC afiiliate WJCL.

Firefighter Michael Curry was one of the first responders on scene, officials said. Curry was helping pull people from the water when he had a medical emergency. Medical personnel on scene provided first aid to Curry before transporting him to the hospital, officials said, but he passed away late Saturday afternoon.

Curry was a Master Firefighter who worked for the Savannah Fire Department for 13 years. He was also father to an 8-year-old boy.

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Mayor Eddie DeLoach held a press conference Saturday night at Memorial Hospital to announce Curry's passing.

"We lost a hero," DeLoach said. "A person who was moving towards the danger, not running from it."

Savannah Fire Chief Charles G. Middleton said during the conference this is the first time he has lost a firefighter in the line of duty.

"We all love this profession," Middleton said. "We are all expecting, at some point, any of us could be answering our last alarm."

Fire crews said about 30 people were injured by the collapse and 13 received treatment at the hospital.

Authorities are currently investigating what caused the loading dock to collapse.

Cox Media Group