OLD FORT, N.C. (828newsNOW) — An off-duty accident has claimed the life of a firefighter who worked with two local departments.
The Crooked Creek Fire Department has had to deal with Tropical Storm Helene and then a raging wildfire. Now, the department is reeling from the loss of its chief.
Steve Lytle, 49, served with the Fairview Volunteer Fire Department for 20 years and was a battalion chief for 16 years. He was also a longtime member and chief of Crooked Creek Fire Department, the Fairview Volunteer Fire Department said on its Facebook page.
“Please remember the family of Battalion Chief Lytle as well as both of his Fairview FD and Crooked Creek FD Families in your thoughts and Prayers in this very difficult time. We lost a true Brother, Friend and Mentor of the fire service,” the Facebook post said.
About 5:15 p.m. Monday, Feb. 17, crews were called to a private residence on Mount Herbon Road for a reported tractor accident, McDowell County Emergency Services Director Will Kehler said.
Lytle was pronounced dead at the scene, Kehler said.
According to Lytle’s obituary, survivors include his parents, Howard and Freida Lytle, of Old Fort; his wife, Chantelle Wicker Lytle; three children, Courtney Moss (Kayla Renfro), Anthony Moss (Ashley), Bruin Lytle, all of Old Fort; two sisters, Annette Ranft (Victor), of Winston-Salem, and Vickie Vinson (Billy), of Taylorsville; two grandchildren, Mackenzie and Kimber; four nieces, one great niece and two great-nephews.
Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 24, at Nebo Crossing. The funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25, at Nebo Crossing. Burial will follow at Davis Town Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Fairview Fire Department at 1586 Charlotte Highway, Fairview, NC 28730, or Crooked Creek Fire Department at 4503 Bat Cave Road, Old Fort, NC 28762.