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A Mississippi firefighter died Monday from complications of COVID-19.
Walls firefighter Dustin Raines, 39, was hospitalized around three weeks ago when he began having breathing issues stemming from the virus, WHBQ-TV reports. He eventually was placed on a ventilator before passing away.
“For somebody who was young and healthy with no pre-existing conditions, this really hit home,” Fire Chief Mike Hancock told WHBQ about Raines, describing him as "an all-around good guy."
Raines, who had started working as a jailer across the border in Collierville, TN, in February, was one of several Walls firefighters who contracted the virus. He's the only one who hasn't recovered, Hancock said.
“I’ve been kind of a skeptic on this vaccine because of how fast it’s developed, but this really has me rethinking my position on it,” the chief told WHBQ.
Raines also served with the Horn Lake and Olive Branch fire departments in Mississippi. He is survived by his wife and three children.
