Off-Duty Fire Captain Killed In Crash On 14 Freeway In Santa Clarita
SANTA CLARITA (CBSLA) – A Los Angeles County firefighter was killed Wednesday in a collision with a Caltrans truck on the northbound Antelope Valley Freeway in Santa Clarita, officials said.
The crash occurred just south of San Canyon Road about 11:15 a.m., California Highway Patrol Officer Moises Marroquin said.
The firefighter, identified as 63-year-old Capt. Michael Shepard, died at a hospital.
CHP said Capt. Shepard was driving in his Jeep when he collided with a Caltrans vehicle, which had a dump truck bed that was part of a sweeper operation.
Capt. Shepard was assigned to Fire Station 132 in Santa Clarita. Firefighters at the station somberly lowered their flag to half staff Wednesday night.
Firefighters at @LACOFD Station 132 lower their flag to half staff in honor of their fallen brother. Captain Michael Shepard was killed in an off-duty crash in Santa Clarita today. The story on #KCAL9 10pm @CBSLA 11pm. #CBSLA @KCBSKCALDesk pic.twitter.com/eXUGfIlBmz
— Rachel Kim (@CBSLARachel) January 24, 2019
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Captain Shepard's family and fellow fire fighters," fire officials said in a statement.
The Caltrans driver suffered moderate injuries and was taken to an area hospital for treatment, officials said.
The crash shut down the carpool and number one lanes for several hours after triggering a SigAlert just before 12:30 p.m.
The collision remains under investigation.
(© Copyright 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. City News Service contributed to this report.)