Monday, December 3, 2012
Jackson Heights (Texas) volunteer Firefighter Jalen Smith has died in the Line of Duty this evening at East Texas Medical Center. The 20-year-old was on life support, in a coma, after suffering a major head injury and a broken back. Jalen was in the car Friday evening, responding on a call, with 2 other Firefighters, when the crash happened. The 3 members of the Jackson Heights VFD were involved in that one vehicle rollover Friday night as they were responding to the call of an accident in the area. They were on their way to their firehouse in a personal vehicle when the accident happened. 20-year-old Jalen Smith, 21-year-old Cornelius Redwine, and 18-year-old Gary Robinson, all of Tyler, were in the vehicle when it rolled over multiple times off of FM 2767 near County Road 387. The preliminary investigation reveals that the driver had to take evasive action and the car then rolled several times. All three men were taken to ETMC Tyler Friday night. Cornelius Redwine and Gary Robinson were treated and released Friday night, and Jalen Smith died this evening. Our condolences to all affected. RIP.