AUSTIN, Texas — The Austin Fire Department is mourning the loss of one of their own this week.
Firefighter Randy Kohutek died after reportedly suffering severe head trauma in a crash early Monday morning.
A letter from Fire Chief Joel Baker, shared by Austin city councilmember Mackenzie Kelly, states Kohutek was involved in a motorcycle crash, which led to the traumatic injuries.
The letter states the 41-year-old Kohutek was an Army veteran and survived by his parents, sister, wife and two young daughters. Kohutek worked on Engine 25 early in his career before working on Engine 45, where he's been since 2011.
"As both a Council Member and firefighter, my heart is heavy as we mourn the loss of Firefighter Randy Kohutek, a dedicated 16-year veteran of the Austin Fire Department and an Army veteran," Kelly wrote in a post. "The AFD family is grieving deeply, and we are reminded of the sacrifices made by those who serve."
Councilmember José “Chito” Vela added, "So sorry to hear about Firefighter Randy Kohutek’s death. Prayers for his family, friends and [the Austin Fire Department] family."
The fire department will shroud their badges in Kohutek's memory until sunset of the day he'll be buried, which has not been determined yet. In the meantime, grief counselors will be available to fire crews and a chaplain has been assisting his family.
AFD is asking the public to respect the family and the department's privacy as they deal with Kohutek's death.
More reaction to Kohutek's death
The Austin Police Association posted the following statement on Facebook:
"Keep our AFD brothers and sisters in your thoughts and prayers as they deal with the loss of one of their own."
