26-year-old Georgia Forest Ranger dies suddenly in the line of duty

The Georgia Forestry Commission said a 26-year-old ranger died suddenly in the line of duty on Sunday.

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The GFC said Shaun Luke Daniel was monitoring a contained wildfire in Washington County when he suffered a medical emergency. Daniel was treated by emergency responders, who were not able to revive him.

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“We are shocked and saddened at the sudden loss of Luke, our friend and co-worker,” said Georgia Forestry Commission Director Tim Lowrimore. “Our hearts are with his family during this devastating time and we’re extending all our support to them and to our GFC family as well.”

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Washington County firefighters responded to two forest fires on Sunday afternoon, one in Sandersville and one in Johnson. It’s unclear which fire Daniel was monitoring.

His aunt, Amy Brigmam, wrote on Faebook that Daniel was walking a firebreak when he suddenly collapsed.

“Your laughter was loud and infectious and you would say the craziest things out of nowhere,” Brigman wrote. “You loved with all of your heart and grew into a man that made us all proud. Your honestly and trustworthiness is rare. I always called you my Gentle Giant, because you were gentle and tender, always.”

Daniel worked at GFC’s Johnson/Washington County Forestry Unit. The agency is conducting an internal review of his death.