According to a release from the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office, Fire Chief Jeffory L. Buck, 60, of Fleetwood, and Assistant Fire Chief Robert Shick, both members of the Walnuttown Fire Company, were involved in the incident around 5:57 p.m. on April 4, 2026.
Officials said the UTV the two were operating was struck while they were actively participating in the search effort.
Chief Buck was transported to Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest, where he was pronounced dead at 8:07 p.m. Saturday. Assistant Chief Shick was taken to Reading Hospital, where he also later succumbed to his injuries.
Authorities noted that, as with all line-of-duty deaths, autopsies will be conducted to determine the exact causes of death. The Lehigh County Coroner’s Office is working in coordination with the Berks County Coroner’s Office, and both autopsies are scheduled to take place Monday, April 6, 2026, at the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office & Forensic Center.
In a statement, Lehigh County Coroner Daniel A. Buglio extended condolences to the families of the two firefighters, as well as to the Walnuttown Fire Company and the broader firefighting community.
“We mourn alongside them during this profound loss and honor the dedication, courage, and selfless service these two fallen heroes gave in the line of duty,” Buglio said in the release.
The incident remains under investigation.