"He was the embodiment of love, service, and commitment," reads the firefighter's obituary.
A 27-year-old Tenessee firefighter was fatally injured after his fire truck overturned while on duty. Captain Roy Sewell Jr. of the North Tazewell Volunteer Fire Department, an expectant father, "was responding to a request for a landing zone" for a medical helicopter on Cedar Fork Road when the rollover crash happened, according to a statement from the Tazewell Police Department (TPD). He was driving a Spartan Fire Truck when it ran off the side of the road on April 24, ABC affiliate WATE-TV reported.
The crash claimed the young father's life, the TPD reported the next day, leaving behind his pregnant wife and a daughter. The department sent its sympathies to the beloved member of the force and his family, as well as to people he was acquainted with through his employment in the fire service. "Roy represented the best of us all," the department wrote. "We love you, brother. Greater love hath no man than this."
Rest Well, Captain Roy L. Sewell Jr., and thank you for your service to your community and your Department. Condolences to your brothers and sisters on the Department, as well as your family and friends 🙏.
— Caregiver ✝️💞⚔️🛡️ (@stevecripe57) April 25, 2023
His obituary indicates that he also worked at Walmart. He is survived by his pregnant wife, Randi, and a daughter. "Roy was a dedicated husband, father, brother, and son," reads the obituary, adding that his "favorite" thing "was spending time with his wife and little girl."
The obituary states, "Roy will always be remembered for his fun spirit, kind heart, and how much he loved and encouraged everyone around him. Roy never met a stranger who he couldn’t call 'friend', and his time working at Walmart and for the Fire Department gave him the chance to meet and get to know countless people and touch the lives of more than we could ever know."
Celebration of life service has been announced for 27-year-old Roy Lee Sewell, Jr., the North Tazewell VFD member who passed away while on duty yesterday in Claiborne County: https://t.co/Q2OGvyXtYb
— Curtis Carden (@Curtis_Carden) April 25, 2023
Roy was a person who was always there for everyone, even in death itself, according to his coworkers. Authorities claimed he was responding to an ATV accident involving a child. NTVFD Chief LaRoy Brandt said that Roy was doing what he could to assist and a helicopter was being brought in to assist in transporting the injured victim. "His last real message on the radio was 'Where do you need me?' " Brandt said, per WVLT.
Roy had nearly ten years of experience with the NTVFD. The late fire captain, according to Brandt, "believed in serving his fellow man." Brandt recalled of his colleague, "All you had to do is ask him for help, and he'd be there. If at all possible, he'd be there." The obituary also describes his commitment to his service, stating, "Roy’s light knew no bounds and was perpetually on display for all to see. Those who interacted with Roy were left in a better mood than when they met him. He was the embodiment of love, service, and commitment."
The Knoxville Fire Department is saddened to learn of this tragic incident just up the road in North Tazewell, TN. Our condolences to the Family and Friends of Roy Sewell. Thank you for your service sir! pic.twitter.com/tdbspLzt5v
— Knoxville Fire (@KnoxvilleFire) April 25, 2023
References:
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=602278081935495&set=pcb.602281558601814
https://www.claibornefuneralhome.com/obituaries/Roy-Lee-Sewell-Jr.-?obId=27794008#/celebrationWall
Cover Image Source: Facebook | Tazewell Police Department
