In a heartbreaking incident that shook the community, two off-duty New York firefighters lost their lives while bravely responding to a dangerous situation on Thursday. Tyler Memory, 29, from Tully, and Nathan Doody, 33, from DeRuyter, tragically perished at Champion Farms when they were overcome by toxic fumes from a manure tanker.
The fatal accident unfolded as both men, working as drivers for manure trucks at the farm, encountered hazardous conditions inside the tanker. Reports indicate that one firefighter ventured in to retrieve equipment that had fallen inside, only to succumb to the fumes and collapse. In a valiant attempt to save their colleague, the other firefighter rushed to the rescue, but he too lost consciousness and fell victim to the same perilous conditions.
Farm employees discovered both firefighters unconscious and immediately called for emergency assistance around 11 am. Responders from the Clinton Fire Department, Mercy Flight, and COVAC Ambulance arrived swiftly, airlifting Memory and Doody to Wynn Hospital in Utica. Despite the best efforts of medical teams, both firefighters tragically passed away.
Tyler Memory was a third-generation firefighter with 15 years of service at the Tully Joint Fire Department, having started his remarkable career at the young age of 14. Nathan Doody, equally dedicated, had served as a volunteer firefighter at the Cuyler Fire Department for a decade. Their untimely deaths have left their respective fire departments and families devastated.
The incident underscores the inherent dangers associated with manure tankers, which emit toxic gases such as hydrogen sulfide. Exposure to these gases can lead to severe health complications, including nausea, dizziness, headaches, and, in fatal cases, unconsciousness within moments of exposure.
Champion Farms, a historic beef and dairy farm founded nearly two centuries ago in Clinton, serves as a poignant backdrop to this tragic event. The loss of Memory and Doody highlights the risks faced by those working in agricultural settings and the courage of firefighters who unhesitatingly put themselves in harm’s way to protect others.
As the investigation into the incident unfolds, the focus remains on supporting the grieving families and fire departments impacted by this devastating loss. The outpouring of community support and condolences demonstrates the profound impact these firefighters had on their communities, both in their professional roles and as dedicated volunteers.
The deaths of Tyler Memory and Nathan Doody serve as a solemn reminder of the bravery and selflessness displayed by firefighters every day. Their legacy will endure through the memories of their service and the lives they touched with their unwavering commitment to duty.
