Va. Firefighter Hits, Kills Skateboarder

A volunteer Gloucester firefighter was responding to a traffic accident in her personal vehicle on May 22 when he struck and killed a teen skateboarder, according to The Daily Press.

Karen Jowers from the Gloucester Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad was driving a Nissan minivan on Main Street when she struck 16-year-old Jonathan Johnson, who was riding his skateboard shortly before 9 p.m.

Johnson died about 30 minutes later at Riverside Walter Reed Hospital, Virginia State Police Sgt. Greg Mathias told the newspaper.

Jowers' speed at the time of the incident is under investigation, but Mathias that she did have flashing lights activated on her vehicle.

He also said that Johnson was wearing dark clothing and was not wearing a helmet or reflective clothing at the time he was struck.

"It's a very unfortunate incident," Gloucester Chief J.D. Clements said. "It's something that never should have happened. I'm suffering with his family and suffering with the community."