Daniel Prince
Campbell worked in Rock Hill but also volunteered with Lockhart and worked with EMS
A firefighter with the Rock Hill and Lockhart Fire Departments was killed in an accident Friday morning around 6:50 a.m. while on his way to work. According to Master Trooper Gary Miller, 36-year old David Campbell was killed when his truck and a Freightliner tractor-trailer simultaneously struck a tree that had fallen in the roadway on Highway 49 near Highway 322 in York County, causing the tractor-trailer to jackknife and strike Campbell’s truck. No charges were filed as a result of the collision. The driver of the tractor-trailer was not injured.
Campbell was a firefighter and paramedic with the Rock Hill Fire Department, firefighter with the Lockhart Fire Department, and he also worked part-time with the Union County and Chester County EMS. According to a post by the Colleton County Fire Rescue, he had accepted a position within their department and was scheduled to begin in late January. Campbell’s obituary stated that he had a deep passion for being there to help others in an emergency.
Tributes from departments all across the state poured in following the incident. The Lockhart Volunteer Fire Department posted this on their Facebook page:
"It is with sadden hearts that we announce the passing of one of our fellow firefighters.
FF David Campbell served 12 years on Lockhart Fire Department. FF Campbell served the citizens of Lockhart graciously. FF Campbell not only served as a Firefighter at Lockhart, but he served with the City of Rockhill, as well. FF Campbell was passionate about what he loved to do most, Firefighting. Every time you would see FF Campbell, he would have a big smile. FF Campbell was a light and inspiration for the new generation Firefighters. FF Campbell was not only a friend to us, but he was, also, our brother. Please remember the family of FF Campbell in your thoughts and prayers, especially for his wife, son and daughter. Rest easy, brother. We will take it from here."
“It is a dark day in Lockhart, SC. We are saddened to announce the death of David Campbell. David had a smile that was contagious. When David walked into the room, the room was lit with David’s smile. David’s dedication to the fire service never goes unnoticed. David Campbell was not only our Brother, but he was a Father, as well. Please remember the family of David in your thoughts and prayers. To the family of David, we love you and if there is anything you need do not hesitate to contact us.” - Chief Brannon
A celebration of Campbell’s life will be held Tuesday at 2 p.m. at Freedom Ministries, at 729 Village Drive in Chester, with visitation after the service in the sanctuary. Campbell was survived by his wife, Mandy, and their two children, Raelyn and Ryker.