JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A 23-year-old Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department engineer has died following a single-vehicle crash early Wednesday morning, according to officials.
Colton Tibbetts, a second-generation firefighter, was identified as the driver in the crash, which occurred around 2:30 a.m. on State Road 26 near Melrose Elementary School in Melrose, FL, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Troopers said the vehicle left the roadway and struck a sign and multiple trees. Tibbetts was pronounced dead following the crash.
Tibbetts joined Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department three years ago, following in the footsteps of his father, Brian Tibbetts, a recently retired lieutenant with the department. In November, he was promoted to engineer at age 22.
Officials described Tibbetts as dedicated to public service and committed to his role as a firefighter.
“Our hearts go out to the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department and the family and friends of Rescue Engineer Colton Tibbetts,” the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department officials asked the public to keep Tibbetts’ family, his crew, and all members of the department in their thoughts during this time.