Tragic Accident Claims Lives of Chief Ralph Stegbauer and Fire Captain Jeffery Skaggs in Fayette County

Accident – Death – Obituary News : FAYETTE COUNTY, Ohio — Tragedy struck the Concord-Green Township Fire Department in the Village of Staunton on Saturday, resulting in the devastating loss of two esteemed firefighters. Chief Ralph Stegbauer and Fire Captain Jeffery Skaggs were identified as the victims of a fatal accident involving an overturned mechanical lift. The incident was reported to the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office 9-1-1 Center at 11:05 a.m., and both firefighters succumbed to their injuries, according to Fayette County Coroner Dr. Lenora Fitton.

The heart-wrenching accident occurred when Chief Stegbauer and Captain Skaggs were utilizing the lift for radio tower repairs. Tragically, the lift tipped over, causing them to be ejected from the tower basket several feet above the ground. The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction team, is actively investigating the incident to determine the exact cause of the accident.

The news of this devastating loss sent shockwaves through the local firefighting community and beyond. Fellow firefighters from Concord-Green Fire Department, along with personnel from Washington Fire Department, Fayette County EMS, and the Fayette County Emergency Management Agency, swiftly responded to the scene. Their efforts were commendable as they worked diligently to assess the situation and provide any necessary assistance.

In light of this tragic event, the Concord-Green Fire Department is currently out of service until further notice. Neighboring fire agencies in the county will be handling service calls in Concord and Green townships, ensuring that the community continues to receive the necessary emergency response.

Sheriff Vernon P. Stanforth expressed his deepest condolences, stating, “Our condolences go out to the Stegbauer and Skaggs families, as well as the dedicated men and women of the Concord-Green Fire Department.” The loss of Chief Stegbauer and Captain Skaggs is not only a personal tragedy for their families but also a tremendous blow to the firefighting community. Their dedication, bravery, and selflessness will forever be remembered and cherished.

The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction team, will leave no stone unturned in their investigation. Determining the cause of this tragic accident is crucial not only for the sake of closure but also to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. As the investigation progresses, the community eagerly awaits answers and hopes for measures to be implemented to enhance the safety of firefighters during such operations.

The loss of two long-serving firefighters has left a void that will be difficult to fill. Chief Ralph Stegbauer and Fire Captain Jeffery Skaggs were pillars of their community and exemplified the true spirit of heroism. Their unwavering dedication to protecting and serving others will forever be remembered as an inspiration to all. As the community mourns their untimely departure, they will be remembered for their selfless sacrifice and the lasting impact they made in Fayette County..