Joshua Brandes
IRVING, Texas - An off-duty Irving firefighter was killed in a multi-vehicle crash in Parker County on Tuesday.
The crash happened around 1 p.m. on FM 51 south of Highway 199 in the town of Springtown.
Springtown police said a semi-truck heading north on FM 51 stopped to try to make a left turn. A truck pulling a large shed on a trailer stopped behind it.
The firefighter, 41-year-old Joshua Brandes, could not stop his Harley Davidson motorcycle in time for some reason.
Police said Brandes tried to swerve to avoid the trailer but still ended up clipping the back of it and injuring his leg. He then hit a sedan that was heading south head-on.
First responders applied a tourniquet and performed CPR to try to save Brandes' life, but they were not successful.
After they realized he was a fellow first responder, they helped to escort his body to the medical examiner's office in a show of respect.
"Any loss of life which is the result of a motor vehicle accident is tragic, but when the victim is a fellow first responder, it is especially impactful for all first responders who are involved with working the scene and investigating the accident. Our hearts remain heavy for his loved ones as well as those he served beside at both the Irving Fire Department and the Decatur Police Department as they mourn the shocking loss of one of their own," said Springtown City Administrator and Director of Public Safety David Miller.
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Family members of Daniela Fonseca say the 31-year-old passed away on Thursday, nearly a week after her car was T-boned by an SUV.
The Irving Fire Department said Brandes was a paramedic and fire equipment operator.
"Please keep his family, and the members of this department, in your thoughts and prayers as they grieve his loss. Rest in peace Brother," the department said on social media.
He served the city for more than 13 years.
He also served the city of Decatur, where he lived, as a reserve police officer.