New Hanover County firefighter dies during training exercise

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY)– A New Hanover County fire captain has died from an apparent heart attack while participating in a training exercise.

Shortly after 4 p.m. Monday, New Hanover County Fire Rescue Captain David Heath, a 10-year veteran, collapsed while participating in a training exercise. Despite an exhaustive effort by colleagues who immediately performed CPR, applied a defibrillator and instituted advanced life support measures, Heath died. He was 48.

Heath was assigned to the Professional Development Division, and worked out of Station 17 at 5901 Murrayville Road.

Formal arrangements are still pending.