A family from Arizona has claimed that their beloved grandpa died after firefighters dropped him while carrying him out of his home.
The death of 76-year-old Ronald Shuck has left his family grappling for answers and seeking accountability from the Phoenix Fire Department.
The unfortunate incident occurred last month, south of Anthem, Arizona, at the Pioneer RV Resort, where Shuck's health took a devastating turn.
Struggling with weakness in his legs, a complication of his diabetes, Shuck found himself unable to stand on his own on January 5. Desperate for assistance, he and his wife reached out to the Phoenix Fire Department for help, per the New York Post.
Upon arrival, firefighters assessed Shuck's condition and decided he needed immediate medical attention. With the challenge of getting him safely out of the house, firefighters settled on placing him in a plastic rolling chair. However, the decision to transport Shuck down the three front steps on the makeshift chair proved disastrous.
According to Shuck's son, Ryan Shuck, the chair lacked proper restraints or armrests, raising questions about the safety of the chosen method. "He's 6'2" 260 pounds, he's not a small person, so I don't understand why they would choose to do that," he expressed to KPNX.
Tragically, during the attempt to transport Shuck, the chair slipped from the grasp of the firefighters, causing him to suffer severe injuries to his neck and back. Despite efforts to stabilize him, his condition deteriorated rapidly.
"He could no longer move, or talk, or eat, or drink," Ryan recalled. "Watching him take his last breaths was probably the hardest moment of my entire life."
"[It] still feels like a nightmare, and I haven’t cried since he passed because I didn’t want to think that it is real, but it obviously is,” Ryan added, according to KPNX. “It’s still not easy to lose him when you think he is going to be there.”
Shuck succumbed to his injuries on January 23, leaving behind a devastated family. His wife, who had stood by his side through thick and thin, now mourns the loss of her "best friend."
In the wake of this tragedy, the Shuck family has been left with unanswered questions and a profound sense of loss. Despite their efforts to seek clarity from the Phoenix Fire Department, they have been met with silence.
"We haven't gotten anything from them," Ryan said. "They've said nothing, they've tried to avoid it."
Amidst their grief, the family is calling for accountability and justice. "Someone should suffer the consequences for what they did," Ryan emphasized.
The Phoenix Fire Department has opened an investigation into the incident but has not provided any further information or statement regarding Shuck's death.
Our thoughts are with Shuck's family and friends during this difficult time.