Our thoughts and prayers goes out to the Parkton Fire Department in Robeson County after the sudden loss of one of their firefighters, David Brophy. Additional information will be provided as soon as possible.

source: wral.com

PARKTON, N.C. — A Robeson County volunteer firefighter died Sunday reportedly from "a sudden illness."

David Brophy, 41, with Station 18, died at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, according to Lt. Richard Edge with Parkton Fire & Rescue.

Further details, including the circumstances surrounding Brophy's death were unavailable Sunday night, but Edge said the cause of death was still under investigation.

FireNews.net, a news source for firefighters, reported that Brophy died after he had "answered a call and became ill later while at home."

Edge said earlier Sunday that Brophy died in the line of duty.

Brophy had been with the fire and rescue since October.

"David served the Parkton community with heart and soul. He was dedicated to his brothers and sisters of the fire department," Edge said. "We are truly saddened by the loss of a firefighter (whom) we considered family."

Brophy served more than 15 years with Frontier Volunteer Fire Company in Niagara Falls, N.Y., Edge said.

Web Editor: Kelly Gardner