WEST SALEM — Donations, prayers and warm thoughts have flooded in as the community mourns the death of a 35 year-old Wayne County firefighter who died earlier this week while investigating a crash along Interstate 71.
Lt. Philip Wigal, a veteran firefighter of Town & Country Fire District, and state trooper Steven Hill were hit by a semi tractor-trailer on Monday while investigating a crash on the highway just south of state Route 301 exit, authorities have said.
Hill, 37, from the Ashland post, was hospitalized for minor injuries.
Sgt. Ray Santiago said during a Tuesday press conference that Wigal created a barrier between traffic and the accident scene by parking a fire engine there. He noted that barrier prevented multiple fatalities from happening.
“He did his job,” Santiago said.
In response, state and U.S. flags are flying at half-staff to honor him. There are fundraisers popping up to help pay for expenses and people on social media have offered condolences.
Gov. Mike DeWine ordered that U.S. flags and the State of Ohio flags be flown at half-staff on all public buildings and grounds throughout Wayne County, the Ohio Statehouse, the Vern Riffe Center and the Rhodes State Office Tower.
“Flags shall remain lowered until sunset on the day of his funeral,” a press release from DeWine’s office read.
The Ashland City Fire Department has offered to donate all proceeds from its 49th Annual Pancake Day fundraiser, which is happening Saturday from 6 a.m. to noon at the Central Fire Station.
The fundraiser has not happened in two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic, said Nic Schwan, this year’s pancake breakfast chair and organizer. Schwan serves as vice president of the Ashland Professional Firefighters Local #1386 union.
“Our biggest concern is with the family,” Schwan said. “He had two daughters and a wife. We’re doing what we can to try and take care of them.
“So 100% of every dollar we bring in on Saturday will go to the family and the (Town & Country Fire District).”
Other fire departments in the area have offered condolences.
Madison Township Fire Department, in Richland County, posted Tuesday that they “extend our sincerest sympathies and our thoughts are with the Town & Country Fire District. You are in our prayers.”
Paint Township Mount Eaton Fire Department, in Wayne County, also expressed sympathy to the family and the fire district.
“There are no words anyone can say to suffering a loss to this extent — we are so very sorry,” the Facebook post reads.
State Rep. Scott Wiggam (R-Wayne County) issued a statement Tuesday expressing his condolences.
“The community will never forget his courage, commitment and bravery,” the statement reads. “He will always be remembered as a true hero that paid the ultimate price in service of his community.
A GoFundMe page has been launched by the Town & Country Fire District to raise money “that will be given directly to his wife and daughters,” reads the fundraiser’s description.
As of Wednesday afternoon, the site has purportedly raised $16,845 of its $10,000 goal with 187 donations.
State troopers were dispatched to the crash scene along I-71, in the southbound lanes, at 3:14 p.m. A news release said Town & Country Fire District units responded shortly thereafter.
Santiago said Monday’s crash was a routine investigation by first responders, which involved Ohio Highway Patrol, sheriff’s deputies from Ashland and Wayne counties, EMS crews from Ashland, Town & Country and New Pittsburg and two towing companies.
Around 45 minutes later, a “southbound commercial motor vehicle” hit a fire truck on the scene from behind. The impact caused the fire truck to then strike Hill’s cruiser and the vehicle that was involved in the original crash.
“The firefighter and trooper, who were still at the original vehicle, were also struck at that time,” the news release said.
The driver of the commercial vehicle was Edyt A. Hernandez, 41, of Hialeah, Fla. He was taken to a hospital for minor injuries.
Highway Patrol Lt. Todd Roberts said Hernandez has been cooperative and has given statements. He said the investigation is ongoing and evidence will be forwarded to the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office for possible charges.
As of Wednesday afternoon, court records do not show that any charges have been filed in the case.
Adam Hory, fire chief of Town & Country Fire District, said Tuesday that Wigal’s death is a blow to the district.
“Phil was strong in his faith and it seemed to grow stronger every day,” the fire chief said. “This is a huge loss for our fire department, the community and most importantly his family.”
Wigal began his career with the fire department in August of 2006 as a part-time firefighter. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 2011 and he was hired as a full-time employee in May 2014.
He was one of three full-time firefighters that worked alongside the 24 volunteer members in the district.
