A Pennsylvania firefighter was killed in a crash that also injured his girlfriend while the two were responding to an alarm on Friday.
“Firefighter Colin Reedy and Firefighter Emily Gindele were responding to an alarm on Friday night (10/20) during a heavy downpour when their vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree. Firefighter Reedy succumbed to his injuries at the scene,” the West Whiteland Fire Company in Exton, announced on its website.
The fire company added that Gindele was in critical but stable condition at a hospital. “We ask that you keep the families of both firefighters and our members in your thoughts and prayers at this time,” its statement read.
Tracy, Reedy’s mother, tells PEOPLE that her son was “a lover of people and God is using his death as a platform to share the love of Christ. Colin had a servant’s heart,” She adds, “Christ used him to share love with all he came in contact with.”
Reedy, 25, was born in the Crimea region of Ukraine and lived in Exton, according to his obituary, which noted that he became a volunteer firefighter with the West Whiteland Fire Company along with Gindele earlier this year. He worked as a plumber for Done Right Today Plumbing, based in Wilmington, Delaware.
“You couldn’t help but love him! He was an EXCEPTIONAL young man with the kindest soul, a huge heart, infectious energy and a contagious laugh,” read the obituary. “Described by ALL as caring, respectful, generous, sacrificial, giving and hard working. He was a beacon of positivity, strength and kindness.”
“The outpouring from people sharing stories of how Colin touched their lives and how he brought a level of energy and light everywhere he went solidifies a legacy that transcends the grave,” the obituary continued.
The obituary also mentioned that Reedy enjoyed the outdoors, cars and playing with his dog.
“He LOVED his family, Emily and their dog Chandler more than anything,” the obituary read. “He and Emily were in the process of ring hunting and his family couldn’t have been more excited for them.”
In addition to his mother, Reedy is survived by his girlfriend, his father, Brian, and his two sisters, Jordan and Addie.
West Whiteland Fire Chief Kevin Miller said that the deadly crash “hits home” for the entire “community,” per ABC affiliate WPVI-TV. “They lost a valuable piece,” Miller continued.
“They were both a breath of fresh air and took everything in,” Miller added. “Very dedicated, always willing to learn, hands-on; it was a great addition to our team.” The couple had just become volunteer firefighters this year, per the station.
Two services will be held for Reedy, the obituary announced: one in New York on Friday and another in Pennsylvania on Sunday.
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