Fort Myers Firefighter recruit dies after medical complication

Nathaniel “Nate” Wilcox was 22 years old and from Culter Bay, south of Miami.

Fort Myers Fire Chief Tracy McMillion said Wilcox was a firefighter applicant training at Station 11 in Fort Myers.

He had medical complications during the physical assessment evaluation. 

The Chief noted that the Department would posthumously make him a firefighter to fulfill his dream and present his family with his helmet and jacket. 

In a press conference, the Chief stated Wilcox showed no signs of heat exhaustion.

McMillion said once Wilcox completed the test, he told them he wasn’t feeling well, and they rendered aid.

The chief is investigating this situation so it doesn’t happen again; however, he stated that there was nothing more medically that they could have done on the scene to change the outcome.

His family is awaiting autopsy results.