Two volunteer firefighters from the Walnuttown Fire Company in Fleetwood, Pennsylvania, were tragically killed on April 4 when a car veered off the road and struck their utility terrain vehicle (UTV) while they were assisting in the search for a missing woman.
The Fatal Incident
The victims, Chief Jeffory Buck, 60, and Assistant Chief Robert R. Shick, Jr., 56, were part of the search team looking for a 60-year-old woman when the accident occurred.
According to Berks County District Attorney John Adams, Buck and Shick were driving a UTV at a slow speed along the shoulder of Route 222, also known as Kutztown Road, when they were struck head-on by a Toyota Camry driven by 26-year-old Alexander Sepulveda Rivera.
Witnesses reported that Rivera was swerving across lanes before he left his lane of travel and drove onto the shoulder, hitting the firefighters’ vehicle. Rivera and a passenger in his car fled the scene but were apprehended shortly afterward with the help of witnesses.
Charges Against Alexander Sepulveda Rivera
Rivera faces multiple charges, including:
- Two counts of homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence (DUI)
- Two counts of homicide by vehicle
- Accidents involving death or personal injury
- DUI
Rivera admitted to smoking marijuana earlier in the day and was found with a crack pipe in his vehicle. He also confessed to falling asleep at the wheel at the time of the crash. Additionally, Rivera did not have a driver’s license, and authorities believe he has never held one. A blood test was conducted following his arrest.
Community Response and Condolences
The tragic deaths of Chief Buck and Assistant Chief Shick have sparked an outpouring of support from the local community and beyond. The Walnuttown Fire Company shared their grief on social media, posting, “Rest easy chiefs, we got it from here.”
Pennsylvania State Senator Chris Gebhard expressed his sorrow, stating, “I am deeply saddened to learn of the tragic loss of Chief Jeffory L. Buck and Assistant Chief Robert Shick… who gave their lives in the line of duty.” He offered his condolences to their families, friends, fellow firefighters, and the entire community.
Ongoing Investigation
Rivera was booked into jail, and authorities have made no mention of charges or suspicion against the passenger in his vehicle. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
