Firefighter Who Fell Through Skylight Succumbs To Injuries
DENVER (CBS4) - Denver Firefighter John Whelan was fighting a fire on Blake Street late Sunday June 28 when he fell through the skylight of a building.
He was transported to the hospital with severe injuries after the fall but had been recovering at home after several days in the hospital. The 15-year veteran of the department was expected to recover but died around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday night at St. Anthony Hospital after going into cardiac arrest.
"Whelan sustained injuries including a broken arm, broken ribs and internal injuries," Melissa Taylor with the Denver Fire Department said in a statement after the initial fall.
Taylor told CBS4's Lauren DiSpirito the skylight had been painted over, so Whelan probably never even saw it.
Whelan's colleagues were visibly distraught over his death at a news conference Thursday morning. Fire Chief Eric Tade was very emotional while saying the department now looks to try to console the family.
"Our top priorities at this time are providing support to his family and our collective family, the Denver Fire Department," Tade said. "We'll make all of our resources available to our entire staff as we grieve this monumental loss."
Denver Mayor Michael Hancock called him a hero.
"John gave his life in the line of duty to ensure the safety of others, reminding us of the sacrifices of our first responders and their families; and the sacrifices they make each and every day to keep us safe in this city," Hancock said. "His service will not be forgotten and his memory will live on."
Whelan, 46, leaves behind a wife and a young son. His death is being investigated as a LODD (line of duty death), meaning an outside firm will investigate and conclude whether any practices or procedures need to be changed.
One way Whelan will be remembered, his name will be added to the Fallen Firefighters Memorial. Flags in Denver will also fly at half-staff all day Thursday. They'll fly at half-staff at the Capitol the day of his funeral, which is still to be determined.
The fire department has not concluded whether the building where Whelan fell had any code violations. That is still under investigation.
Statement From Denver Mayor Michael Hancock
"I am overwhelmed with sadness by the death of one our own, firefighter John Whelan. He gave his life in the line of duty to ensure the safety of others. My family and I join all of Denver in expressing our profound sorrow for this loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, and with the men and women of Denver Fire mourning the loss of their fallen brother. It is with a heavy heart and sincere gratitude that we are reminded of the sacrifices firefighters and their families make each and every day to keep our city safe."
Additional Resources
Once funeral arrangements are made the information will be posted to the Denver Firefighers Union website.
