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

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.

“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.”

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 at the time of his death.

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

©2023 Cox Media Group