A Bay firefighter has died following a UTV crash Sunday evening in Craighead County.
Captain Kolby Belcher, 24, sustained critical injuries in the crash, which occurred around 7:38 p.m. on Craighead County Road, according to the Craighead County Sheriff’s Department.
Authorities say Belcher was operating a 2022 Polaris RZR when the vehicle lost traction, left the roadway and overturned, pinning him underneath. Witnesses at the scene reportedly helped remove the vehicle before emergency crews arrived.
Belcher was transported to a hospital in Little Rock, where he later died from his injuries.
Bay Mayor Paul Keith said Belcher’s loss is deeply felt in the community.
“He was a great kid,” Keith said. “He was like a son to me.”
Belcher served part-time with the Bay Fire Department and was also a full-time firefighter with the Walnut Ridge Fire Department.
“He was the epitome of service,” Keith said. “You couldn’t ask for a better person.”
Funeral arrangements are pending. Delta EMS Ambulance Services will transport Belcher’s body home.
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