It happened at Eastview Road and Sigman Road in Conyers, Georgia, on Friday evening, when a Rockdale County Fire Rescue fire truck was speeding to a structure fire. According to investigators, the fire truck flipped on Friday evening as the driver was navigating a left turn and lost control of the vehicle.
Tragically, a firefighter was riding on the rear of the truck when he was ejected. He passed away in the accident, and the Georgia State Patrol is now leading an investigation into the fatal incident.
In the meantime, First Alert Chopper captured footage of the fire truck lying on its side along Sigman Road and Eastview Road. The footage also reveals an ambulance responding to the incident.
Firefighter’s Identity Revealed
Initially, the firefighter’s identity was withheld until his next of kin were notified of the sad loss. In a tweet on X, Gov. Brian Kemp identified him as Juan Antonia Smith. Kemp also offered his condolences to Smith’s family and loved ones.
“Marty, the girls, and I are saddened tonight by the loss of Firefighter Juan Antonia Smith. As we pray for his loved ones and the entire Rockdale County community, we ask that Georgians keep them in their thoughts as they mourn this sudden and tragic loss.”
Marty, the girls, and I are saddened tonight by the loss of Firefighter Juan Antonia Smith. As we pray for his loved ones and the entire Rockdale County community, we ask that Georgians keep them in their thoughts as they mourn this sudden and tragic loss.
— Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) June 13, 2026
Rockdale County Fire Rescue Fire Truck in Deadly Flip
As reported by Atlanta News First. Rockdale County Fire Chief James Robinson also responded with a statement:
“Today, we grieve the loss of one of our own. Our hearts are with the firefighter’s family and with every member of our Fire Rescue family who is hurting from this tragedy.”
“We are grateful for the outpouring of support from our community as we navigate this unimaginable loss together,” Robinson added.
Fire Officials From Nearby Counties Offer Condolences
Meanwhile, fire officials from Clayton and Henry counties also offered their condolences over the tragic loss of the firefighter on social media.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of a Rockdale County firefighter. Our thoughts and prayers are with the firefighter’s family, friends, and brothers and sisters in the fire service as they navigate this difficult time.”
“We are keeping our brothers and sisters at Rockdale Fire Rescue in our thoughts and prayers as they navigate the difficult loss of one of their own,” a spokesperson for Henry County Fire Rescue added. “Our hearts are with the Rockdale County Fire Rescue family, the responding crews, and the loved ones affected by this tragedy.”