Volusia County firefighter hurt during surfing accident dies from injuries, sheriff says

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — An Ormond Beach firefighter and paramedic who was found unresponsive in the water while surfing, has died.

On Wednesday, Ethan Wilson was found near the New Smyrna Beach jetty, was pulled to shore, and was transported to the hospital.

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On Saturday, the 33-year-old died from injuries, according to Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood.

“Firefighter/Paramedic Ethan Wilson was surfing when he became unresponsive and ended up in ICU,” Chitwood tweeted. “Sadly, this 33-year-old husband and father never made the recovery his many friends and loved ones were hoping for.”

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Wilson donated his organs to save others.

A GoFundMe account has been set up to help his family.

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He leaves behind a wife and a young son.

The City of Ormond Beach released a statement about the loss of Wilson and how he helped impact the community with his bravery and commitment.

Read the complete statement below:

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Firefighter/Paramedic Ethan Wilson, a dedicated member of the Ormond Beach Fire Department, loving father and husband, and friend to all who knew him. Ethan was found unresponsive in the surf at New Smyrna Beach on Wednesday and passed Saturday surrounded by family, friends, and his fellow firefighters from all over Volusia County. Ethan proudly served our community with bravery and commitment for many years, always putting the safety and well-being of others before his own.

His passing is a tremendous loss for our department, as well as for the entire Ormond Beach community. He will be deeply missed, and his selfless spirit will live on in the lives he touched.

On behalf of the City of Ormond Beach, we extend our deepest condolences to Ethan’s family, friends, and fellow firefighters. We will always remember and honor his sacrifices and his unwavering commitment to serving and protecting our community.

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