ASHLAND — Local volunteer firefighter and EMS captain Ethan Stadler, 23, died Sunday after being thrown from a motorcycle in Ashland County.

Stadler, who lived in Polk, was westbound on County Road 1302 at 12:44 p.m. on Sunday when he veered off the roadway and hit a traffic sign before being ejected from his motorcycle, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Stadler was wearing a helmet at the time, and drugs and alcohol are not considered a factor in the crash, the OSHP added.

Stadler had been a volunteer firefighter since December 2019 when he joined the Polk Jackson Perry Fire District. In February, he was promoted to EMS Captain after completing his paramedic certification, according to a statement from the Polk Jackson Perry Fire District.

Stadler was also a volunteer firefighter and paramedic with the Jeromesville Community Fire District and the Green-Perrysville Joint Fire District.

“Ethan will be missed by all and we ask that you keep your thoughts and prayers with his family and friends,” the Polk Jackson Perry Fire District said in a statement.

Following the announcement of Stadler’s death, there was a significant outpouring of support and condolences for Stadler on social media.

Community members and colleagues left hundreds of Facebook comments and a few posts sharing memories of Stadler and praying for his family.

“He was one of the most genuine, thoughtful, and caring people you could’ve been blessed to meet in life. He served all three communities with pride, honor, and commitment. We will be forever grateful for his service,” the Green-Perrysville Joint Fire District wrote in a Facebook comment.

“Ethan was a great friend and dedicated fireman. He loved helping people in the communities he served. Smart medic and aggressive firefighter. Always had a level head and calm demeanor. He was extremely nice and accepting to everyone he met,” Wooster Firefighter Garrett Cellar wrote on Facebook. 

No information on funeral arrangements for Stadler have yet been released.