MARSHALL COUNTY – A former Pierceton firefighter died after his pickup truck left the roadway, crashed into a tree and caught fire Friday night.
According to Marshall County Police Department Det. First Sgt. Jeff Snyder, at approximately 9:12 p.m. Friday the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department responded to a personal injury accident in the area of 659 14B Road, Etna Green.
After an investigation, it was determined that a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado, driven by Gene Burkett, 68, Pierceton, was traveling east on 14B Road. At some point, the pickup left the roadway and struck a tree. The vehicle then caught fire.
Burkett was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to a Facebook post by Pierceton Fire Rescue, Burkett was a retired Pierceton firefighter and fire chief. He “served his department and his community with honor, courage and with a passion for helping others.”
