Columbia Fire Department firefighter and EMT died trying to save others

COLUMBIA STATION, Ohio (WOIO) -The Elyria Post of the Ohio Highway State Patrol is investigating the electrocution of two people early Sunday.

Two others were seriously injured after coming into contact with the downed power lines.

Troopers said Keith Liedtke, 31, was driving a car around 2: 55 a.m. when he traveled off the right side of Sprague Road and struck a utility pole, snapping it in half.

Liedtke, 31, and Brent Reszler, 27, both of Columbia Station, exited the car.

Both men came in contact with downed power lines.

Reszler died from his injuries.

Liedtke was taken to an area hospital.

Brett Wilson, a firefighter with the Columbia Fire Department, was nearby and heard the crash.

Wilson, 23, of Olmsted Falls, and Hannah Gallagher, 24, of Cleveland, went to the scene and tried to help.

They also came into contact with the downed power lines.

Wilson died from his injuries.

Gallagher was taken to an area hospital.

The Columbia Township Columbia Station Information Page posted a tribute to Wilson.

Wilson had been a firefighter and EMT for two years.

Columbia Township Fire Chief Raymond Anthony says we may never know what exactly happened.

“We do what we call a scene size up, you try and look at everything,” Anthony said, “It could have been a wire on the ground he stepped on, or it could have energized the wet ground and he got caught in that current and it took him down.”

Anthony told 19 News that Wilson’s goal in life was to become a full time paramedic and fireman and was well on his way after recently finishing his paramedic training.

As a volunteer in Columbia Station, Wilson was paid but was only able to work limited hours and he worked the maximum every week.

“He was an energetic kid and his goal in life was to be a career firefighter,” Anthony said, “He just loved helping people.”

According to a press release alcohol use is suspected in the crash.

The investigation is ongoing.

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