New York Fire Chief Fatally Struck

By Bill Carey
5 July 2026

COTTEKILL, N.Y. — The Cottekill Volunteer Fire Company reported that Chief David A. Gagnon has died after being struck by a tree while on a call.

The department said in a press release that Gagnon responded on 3 July to a call for a tree down across a road. While working to remove the tree, part of it snapped and struck Gagnon.

Firefighters and other first responders on the scene immediately rendered aid, but Gagnon succumbed to his injuries.

Image courtesy of the Cottekill Volunteer Fire Company/Facebook.

Published by Data Not Drama

Data Not Drama is writings that provide a point of critical thought about firefighter fatality data and education, line of duty deaths, and risk. The main focus is to encourage less risk aversion and better knowledge on the subject of firefighter fatalities in firefighters, fire departments, and fire service organizations. View more posts