Kaufman County, Texas – A 14-year veteran of the Dallas Fire-Rescue Department died last night after falling from the Spur 408, also known as Patriot Parkway, bridge at its intersection with Interstate Highway 20.
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40-year-old William Scott Tanksley, of Kemp, Texas, was struck by a vehicle which forced him over the edge of the bridge, according to a police report obtained by WFAA. Tanksley and other members of Fire Station 12 were working a major accident on the icy overpass before the incident occurred. Ice was reported as a major contributing factor in both accidents.
Tanksley was taken to Methodist Dallas Medical Center by ambulance where he was pronounced dead. A helicopter ambulance was requested but unavailable due to the weather conditions.
“As always, the department is going to wrap our arms around his family as well as our own fire department family,” Dallas Fire-Rescue Chief Louie Bright told members of the media Monday night outside Methodist Dallas Medical Center. “We have a resilient group of men and woman who work for us. We're going to pull together and get through this incident.”
Tanskley leaves behind a wife and three children.
Dallas Police Chief David O. Brown tweeted this morning, "Our hearts are saddened by the loss of DFR Firefighter Tanksley. Please keep his family, friends, and all firefighters in your prayers."
Tanksley was taken to Methodist Dallas Medical Center by ambulance where he was pronounced dead. A helicopter ambulance was requested but unavailable due to the weather conditions.
“As always, the department is going to wrap our arms around his family as well as our own fire department family,” Dallas Fire-Rescue Chief Louie Bright told members of the media Monday night outside Methodist Dallas Medical Center. “We have a resilient group of men and woman who work for us. We're going to pull together and get through this incident.”
Tanskley leaves behind a wife and three children.
Dallas Police Chief David O. Brown tweeted this morning, "Our hearts are saddened by the loss of DFR Firefighter Tanksley. Please keep his family, friends, and all firefighters in your prayers."
Our hearts are saddened by the loss of DFR Firefighter Tanksley. Please keep his family, friends and all firefighters in your prayers.
— Chief David O. Brown (@DPDChief) February 11, 2014