Tyler Casey, 21, did not survive to be congratulated for his heroism.
The Seneca Area Fire Protection District volunteer firefighter died at 2 p.m. Monday due to injuries he received while trying to warn Newton County residents of the devastating tornado he saw coming right for them.
Casey is now the 14th person killed in Newton County by the storm that hit the Midwest Saturday night.
Casey was storm spotting Saturday evening at the intersection of Highway 43 and Iris Road, according to Andy Nimmo, Redings Mill fire chief, the spokesman for the Seneca Area Fire Protection District in this matter.
As the storm worsened, Nimmo said Casey was officially dispatched to watch for tornadoes at that intersection. When he saw the tornado coming, Casey warned at least three people to seek shelter — someone changing their tire along the side of the road, as well as two other people in a nearby home.
Casey went back to his car to get out of the storm’s path, but it was too late. His car was hit by the tornado while he was inside.
He was transported to Freeman West and put on life support Saturday.
Casey has a two-year-old daughter and his fiancé is expecting another child. He served as a volunteer firefighter with the Seneca Area Fire Protection District for the last three years. There are about 20 other volunteer firefighters with that district office.
Nimmo said Casey’s death is considered as an officer in the line of duty.
