Community supports family after loss of Ormond Beach firefighter, paramedic in surfing accident

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — First responders in Volusia County and Central Florida are mourning the loss of an Ormond Beach firefighter.

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Ethan Wilson, 33, died Saturday from injuries sustained this past week while surfing at New Smyrna Beach.

Channel 9 spoke to Wilson’s brother-in-law and friend about their loss and how Wilson’s legacy will live on in the people he helped.

Wilson was not just an Ormond Beach firefighter and paramedic; he was a husband and father.

Read: Volusia County firefighter hurt during surfing accident dies from injuries, sheriff says

But his brother-in-law Bryon White says he was also well-loved in the community.

“This entire town is tight-knit, and Ethan has always been an integral part of the community, and we have just seen such immense support rallying around him and his family,” he said.

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After three days in the ICU, Wilson succumbed to his injuries, and he passed away following a surfing accident near the New Smyrna Beach jetty.

“It was something he has done since he was a kid, and we are a surfing community,” White said. “It’s a part of who we are and it was definitely a part of who Ethan was.”

While the situation has been devastating for the family, they have seen a tremendous outpouring of support.

“Even people from far away who have come in and supported us, and its just been uplifting,” White said.

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Wilson spent his life dedicated to helping others in need as a firefighter and paramedic. His last act of service will help dozens of others, as he was an organ donor.

“Every act he did was something generous, and it’s fitting his last act was to help others live,” White said.

The City of Ormond Beach also released a statement about the loss of Wilson.

Read part of the statement below:

Ethan proudly served our community with bravery and commitment for many years, always putting the safety and well-being of others before his own.

His passing is a tremendous loss for our department, as well as for the entire Ormond Beach community. He will be deeply missed, and his selfless spirit will live on in the lives he touched.

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