Dallas Firefighter Dies After Falling Off Bridge
DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - A Dallas firefighter died Tuesday after falling off of a North Texas interstate overpass.
William Scott Tanksley, 40, was pronounced deceased at Methodist Hospital in Dallas shortly after falling from atop the Spur 408 bridge onto Interstate-20 below. The Dallas firefighter was working a multi-car chain reaction crash on the icy overpass at the time.
"He was doing his job as we do every day, giving all he had to provide services," said Dallas Fire-Rescue Chief Louie Bright III outside Methodist Hospital late Tuesday night.
Tanksley worked out of Dallas Fire Station 12 located on Wheatland Road in far Southwest Dallas. He was a 14-year veteran of the department who leaves behind a wife and three children.
"As always, the department is going to wrap our arms around his family as well as our own fire department family," Bright said.
According to the police report, an out of control car hit another car involved in the crash, which hit Tanksley and knocked him over the bridge to the interstate 56 feet below. He was pronounced dead at the hospital from blunt force trauma injuries.
Condolences poured in immediately from other North Texas fire departments and police agencies.
"We are deeply saddened by the recent news that Dallas Firefighter had passed away," Arlington Police said in statement sent out via social media. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and firefighter family."
In a statement sent via Twitter, the Cockrell Hill Police Department said, "We are deeply saddened by the loss of DFR Firefighter William Tanksley. Deepest condolences to the department and his family."
Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings released the following statement about Tanksley's death:
"Dallas mourns the loss of one of our own, Dallas firefighter William Scott Tanksley. As a member of Dallas Fire-Rescue for 14 years, Tanksley dedicated his life to serving the residents of our city in time of need. His death proves what a dangerous job our firefighters are tasked with every day. On behalf of the City of Dallas, I extend heartfelt condolences to the Tanksley Family and the entire Dallas Fire-Rescue team."
No word yet if the driver of the car that caused the crash will face any charges.
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