Arizona firefighter-paramedic dies of COVID-19 complications

PHOENIX – An Arizona firefighter-paramedic died Monday from COVID-19 complications, the Verde Valley Fire District announced.

Tyrone Bell was a full-time employee of the department since 2017.

Prior to that he worked for Verde Valley Ambulance Company and was a reserve firefighter for the Clarkdale and Verde Valley fire districts.

“To know Tyrone was to love him,” the department said in a press release. “His passing will leave a huge void here at Verde Valley Fire District.”

According to an online fundraising campaign for Bell’s family, he became ill Oct. 9 and was treated at a hospital in Cottonwood before being flown to a Phoenix facility.

Information about services will be released in the coming days. Bell’s death is classified as in the line of duty, the department said.

Follow @KTAR923