UPDATE: IAEGER, WV (WOAY) – A man has been arrested and charged in connection to a house fire that killed a McDowell County firefighter.
West Virginia State Police tell WOAY that Robert Beckner, 36, of Iaeger, has been charged with three counts of first-degree arson, and one count of first-degree murder.
Buckner confessed to the arson via an audio statement.
The Fire Marshal’s Office in McDowell County made the arrest.
IAEGER, WV (WOAY) – A Iaeger Volunteer Firefighter has died after battling a house fire.
According to Iaeger Police Chief, Chris Riffe, Russ Robertson was fighting a three-structure blaze this morning when the heat became unbearable. The firefighter saw a homeowner reenter the residence that was fully involved. He then pulled him from the structure and kept him from returning.
After he fell ill shortly afterwards, EMS transported Robertson for medical attention. He passed away soon after.
A GoFundMe Page has been set up to assist in funeral expenses.
Stay with WOAY for more updates on this developing story.
MCDOWELL COUNTY, WV (WOAY) – The Oceana Fire Department posted a Facebook update today, saying a firefighter with the Iaeger Fire Department died in the line of duty.
According to the Facebook post, the firefighter entered a burning house where he found a man trapped inside. He attempted to save the person’s life but tragically lost his own in the process.
This is a developing story, so details are limited. Stay with WOAY for any updates.
