Comstock Fire and Rescue Chief Edward Switalski died Wednesday evening after being struck by a passing vehicle as he stood near the rear of his rescue vehicle, the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Department reports. Several responders on scene provided immediate care, however, resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful. Switalski was pronounced dead at the scene.

Sheriff’s deputies and Comstock Fire and Rescue had responded to east bound I-94 near the 81mile marker for an unknown accident, where they found an unoccupied vehicle and no injuries being reported. As fire responders were preparing to leave the scene, a passing vehicle lost control and struck Switalski. The driver of the at-fault vehicle was transported to Borgess Hospital for injuries sustained in the accident.

“The Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Department wishes to extend their sincere condolences to the Switalski family and the Comstock Fire Department in their tragic loss,” the sheriff’s representative said.

The cause of the accident remains under investigation. Anyone with information regarding the accident is asked to call the sheriff’s office.