MI Firefighter Dies after Falling Unconscious Driving to Call

A Michigan firefighter died Wednesday after he fell unconscious while responding to a call.

Grant Township firefighter Michael Buitendorp was driving a department tanker to a camper fire in Otto Township when he became unresponsive, according to a press release from the department that was posted to the Facebook page for Oceana County Fire Fighters Training. His partner was able to stop the apparatus and then radio for help.

Grant Rescue and Life EMS, as well as firefighters from Buitendorp's department, responded to the location. He was taken to Mercy Lakeshore Hospital in Shelby, but attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful, and he was later pronounced dead.

"Our hearts are heavy today as the unthinkable has happened," the Pere Marquette Township Fire Department wrote on social media. "A local firefighter has made the supreme sacrifice.

Buitendorp is survived by his wife, Anna, and his children, Jasper, Isabel, Redding and Andrew. Details about funeral arrangements will be released when available.