Fire captain David Meyer dies in duty at garage fire collapse
- A garage fire occurred in the Austin neighborhood of Chicago early on Wednesday morning.
- Captain David Meyer, aged 54, was injured when the garage collapsed after the fire was extinguished.
- Meyer later succumbed to his injuries, highlighting the risks faced by firefighters.
On April 23, 2025, in Chicago, Illinois, Fire Captain David Meyer of the Chicago Fire Department tragically lost his life while responding to a garage fire in the Austin neighborhood. The firefighters received an emergency call shortly after 4 a.m., prompting a quick response to battle the blaze at a property on North Pine Avenue. After the firefighters managed to extinguish the flames, an unexpected collapse of the garage occurred while they were outside the structure, leading to catastrophic injuries for Meyer. The quick call for help, known as a mayday, was dispatched just minutes later. David Meyer, aged 54, was a dedicated firefighter, having served in the department since 1996. He was well-regarded by his colleagues and the community, and held various positions during his esteemed career, including assignments to truck 29 and previously truck 35 in busy areas across the west side of Chicago. He leaves behind a family, including his parents, wife, three daughters, and son, emphasizing the personal loss felt not only by his immediate family but also among his fire department colleagues. The fire department, alongside city officials, expressed their grief over this tragic incident. Chicago Fire Commissioner Annette Nance-Holt referred to Meyer as a family member and reminded everyone of the inherent risks associated with firefighting. Mayor Brandon Johnson also shared his condolences and described Meyer as a hero who served the community selflessly. Both emphasized the need for the city to support his grieving family during this difficult time and reflected on the bravery of those who serve in emergency services. While the cause of the fire remains under investigation, this incident serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers firefighters face daily as they risk their lives to protect communities. The support for Meyer’s family demonstrates the incredible sense of community and the profound respect garnered by those in public service, particularly in moments of loss like this.