ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. — A Rockdale County Fire Rescue firefighter was killed Friday evening after a fire apparatus overturned while responding to an emergency call in Conyers, Georgia.
The crash happened around 5 p.m. Friday, June 12, 2026, at the intersection of Sigman Road and Eastview Road. According to the Georgia State Patrol, the fire truck was responding to a reported structure fire when it overturned during a left turn.
Investigators said a firefighter riding in the rear of the apparatus was ejected during the crash and died at the scene.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp later identified the fallen firefighter as Firefighter Juan Antonia Smith. In a statement, Kemp said he and his family were saddened by the loss and asked Georgians to keep Smith’s loved ones and the Rockdale County community in their thoughts.
Rockdale County Fire Chief James Robinson called the death a devastating loss for the department and the community.
“Today, we grieve the loss of one of our own,” Robinson said in a statement. “Our hearts are with the firefighter’s family and with every member of our Fire Rescue family who is hurting from this tragedy.”
Officials have not released whether any other vehicles were involved or whether any additional injuries were reported. The Georgia State Patrol is continuing to investigate the crash.
Firefighter Smith’s death marks a tragic line-of-duty loss for Rockdale County Fire Rescue and the Georgia fire service.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Firefighter Smith’s family, his loved ones, Rockdale County Fire Rescue, and all those mourning this heartbreaking loss.
