Firefighter suffers heart attack before dying in house fire

Officials announced that Jonathan Flagler, a Los Angeles County firefighter who died in a house fire earlier this year, not only suffered a heart attack prior to his death but also discovered methamphetamine in his system. 

He also tested positive for COVID-19. 

"Fire Fighter Flagler's sacrifice and memory will not be forgotten," County fire said in a statement. "He remains a respected fallen hero of our Fire Department and County family."

Flagler, 47, died after his air tank ran out while battling a house fire in Ranchos Palos Verdes in the 30700 block of Tarapaca Road earlier this year on Jan. 6

"The smoke and the fire overcame (the firefighter)," interim county Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said in January. "He put out a 'mayday' for assistance from the other firefighters that were at the scene, and they were able to quickly locate him, rescue him and start the life-saving procedures as necessary."

He later died at the hospital. 

According to the Los Angeles County Coroner, Flager died from both a heart attack and suffocation. The medical examiner also said that the meth and COVID-19 were "significant conditions."

Flagler's wife and children claim they are planning to file a lawsuit for alleged errors. 

"Our lawsuit will establish that the tragic death of Los Angeles County Firefighter Jonathan Flagler was caused when on-scene commanders failed to keep track of the firefighters inside the burning residence, maintain radio contact with those firefighters, and promptly rescue Jonathan," said the family's attorney Thomas Johnston.