Memphis, TN : Off-duty firefighter killed in crash near Walnut Grove and Houston Levee early Sunday morning, October 2, 2016

An off-duty Shelby County firefighter was killed in an early morning crash Sunday, officials said.

Ryon McCray, 26, died after he was ejected from his car around 6:30 a.m. near Walnut Grove and Houston Levee, officials from the sheriff’s office and county fire department confirmed.

The car left the road, officials said, then hit a tree and rolled. McCray was taken from the scene in extremely critical condition, but did not survive.

“He was a stellar employee, just a fine human being. Just a tremendous young man,” Shelby County Fire Chief Alvin Benson said. “We grieve today. We still celebrate his life, what he contributed to the department and this community.”

McCray played defensive end and linebacker at White Station High before graduating in 2008, his former coach said Sunday.

“Just a great kid, just a real outgoing personality,” Major Wright said. “He really kinda overachieved. He just ended up performing better than we thought he would. Just effort and desire set him apart.”

McCray was a firefighter at Station 64 in Millington, Shelby County Fire spokesman Brent Perkins said.

McCray was not married and had no children, Perkins added.

“It’s a real sad day here,” he said.

Source :
Off-duty firefighter killed in early morning crash