Car Accident Causes Fatal Injuries to Fire Engineer

By: Amanda Ridder

Staff Writer

Photo Courtesy of:

fire.kovatch.com

Photo Description:

Members of the community are mourning the loss of David Lodarfki, fire engineer of Colton City Fire Department.

According to a Colton Fire official, on Saturday, Oct. 10 around 6 a.m. Hunter Lodarfki and his father, David, a fire engineer with Colton Fire Department, were reportedly travelling down Reche Canyon Road when a vehicle rear-ended them, causing their vehicle to flip upside down. Hunter and his father were then hit by a second oncoming vehicle. Hunter pulled his father out of the seat with the assistance from other drivers present at the accident. Fire trucks and ambulances arrived on scene and transported both Hunter and David to the hospital. David passed away due to severe injuries, while Hunter remains hospitalized, according to Colton Fire officials. “I’ve known him [David] since he was born,” said Margaret Hemminger, a family friend and Colton resident. “He was a terrific guy and a great fireman.” The accident is still under investigation.