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Colton Tibbetts, 23, a Jacksonville firefighter, dies in a crash on State Road 26 in Melrose(JRFD, WCJB)<\/p>\nMELROSE, Fla. (WCJB) – Fire rescue departments are mourning the death of Colton Tibbetts, 23, a Jacksonville firefighter, who died in a crash in Melrose on Wednesday morning, a witness told TV20.<\/p>\n
Florida Highway Patrol troopers say a 23-year-old man lost control of his car on State Road 26 near Melrose Elementary School around 2:30 a.m. The vehicle veered off the road, hitting a sign and multiple trees.<\/p>\n
A witness identified the driver as Colton Tibbetts. The Jacksonville Firefighters Death Benefit Fund, Inc. confirmed Rescue Engineer Colton Tibbetts died in a single-vehicle crash in the early morning hours.<\/p>\n
Colton Tibbetts, 23, a Jacksonville firefighter, dies in a crash on State Road 26 in Melrose(JRFD, WCJB)<\/p>\n
He\u2019s the son of recently retired Lt. Brian Tibbetts, a Jacksonville firefighter. <\/p>\n
In addition to working for the Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department starting in 2022, family members posted on social media that Tibbetts previously worked for the Melrose Fire Department.<\/p>\n
The Jacksonville Fire Rescue Department posted the following statement on social media<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cThis morning, active duty Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department Engineer Colton Tibbetts passed away.<\/p>\n He was a beloved son, brother, friend, and a dedicated firefighter who served our community with pride.<\/p>\n Colton followed in his father Brian\u2019s footsteps when he joined JFRD three years ago. In November, he was promoted to Engineer at just 22 years old, a reflection of his commitment, work ethic, and the firefighter he was becoming.<\/p>\n We ask that you keep the Tibbetts family, his crew, and all members of JFRD in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”<\/p>\n