Former Phoenix Captain Dies Eight Years After Apparatus Crash
Source Firehouse.com News
The U.S. Fire Administration has confirmed that the death of a veteran Phoenix fire captain is a line-of-duty deaths.
Crystal Rezzonico, 56, died Saturday from injuries she sustained in a major apparatus accident in 2009.
She was ejected from Engine 910 in August 2009 when the apparatus was struck by a sedan. Ten cars were involved in the accident.
Rezzonico struck the ground with her head, fire officials said at the time. She sustained a severe traumatic brain injury and broke both ankles.
The United Phoenix Fire Fighters Association posted the following on Facebook: "Captain Rezzonico’s injuries were prolific and eminently fatal: A traumatic brain injury, two broken legs and two broken shoulders were just some of the challenges she faced as a result of the accident. She spent two weeks in a coma, underwent multiple surgeries (including 5 brain surgeries) and endured 8 grueling weeks of Neurological rehab just to be able to walk and talk again."
She returned to work more than an year after the crash and retired in 2014.
"Notwithstanding Captain Rezzonico’s super-human efforts, the fallout from her injuries would ultimately prevail as she passed peacefully last night in the presence of her many beloved friends and family," the union posted.
