The firefighter, identified by Gov. Brian Kemp as Juan Antonia Smith, was killed Friday near Sigman and Eastview roads.
CONYERS, Ga. — A Rockdale County firefighter died Friday evening after a fire truck overturned while responding to a structure fire call near Sigman Road and Eastview Road, officials said.
The firefighter was later identified by Gov. Brian Kemp as Juan Antonia Smith. The crash has shaken Rockdale County Fire Rescue and brought a state investigation into how the apparatus rolled over during an emergency response. Officials said Smith died at the scene.
The crash happened around 5 p.m. Friday at the intersection of Sigman and Eastview roads. The Georgia State Patrol said the fire truck was turning left when it overturned onto its passenger side. A firefighter riding in the back was ejected. Fire Chief James Robinson said the department was grieving “the loss of one of our own” and said the firefighter’s family and the Fire Rescue staff were hurting from the tragedy.
Officials said the truck was headed to a reported structure fire when the crash occurred. Early reports did not say whether another vehicle was involved. Officials also had not released full details on injuries to any other firefighters. Video from news helicopters showed the fire truck resting on its side near the roadway as emergency crews worked in the area.
Witness Yasuke Aki told a local television reporter he heard a loud thump while working near the intersection. He said he saw the fire truck on its side and watched firefighters try to help after Smith was thrown from the vehicle. Aki said crews used equipment as they tried to reach him. Another nearby resident, Rodney Thomas, said the loss was painful because firefighters at the station had long helped people in the area.
Rockdale County officials said details were first withheld while the firefighter’s relatives were notified. Kemp later named Smith in a social media statement and said his family was saddened by the sudden loss. Fire agencies in Clayton and Henry counties also shared messages of support for Rockdale County Fire Rescue.
The Georgia State Patrol is investigating the crash. Rockdale County officials said more information will be released as it becomes available, including any further findings about the truck, the turn and the emergency response.
Author note: Last updated June 13, 2026.