911 Calls Released Of Driver Who Hit Firefighter On I-95
BOCA RATON (CBSMiami) – Moments after a deadly accident on I-95 on Tuesday, a frantic 911 call came in from the driver of the car involved in the crash.
The victim was Fort Lauderdale firefighter Lt. Kevin Johns who was struck while changing his tire.
The driver of the car, Lorenza Simmons, 48, called 911 as soon as it happened.
"I need an ambulance please. I had a bad accident. My car drove off the road and hit a man," said Simmons in the 911 call.
The operator asked, "Ok ma'am you are the driver?"
Simmons desperately replied, "Yes. Yes please. I need someone here. Somebody got hurt,"
CLICK HERE to watch Summer Knowles' report
The man she hit was a 28 year veteran.
Investigators said Johns got a flat tire on his way to work, pulled over on the side of the road to change it, and that he was next to his car when Simmons plowed into him while trying to avoid hitting a car in front of her.
When she rushed over to help him, there was little she could do.
In the 911 calls you hear her saying, "He is breathing. Can you hear me sir? Sir can you hear me? He is breathing, but I need somebody here. Please hurry!"
Once help arrived, Johns was transported to a medical center in Delray Beach but he didn't make it.
He died Tuesday afternoon, surrounded by those who loved and respected him.
READ: Lauderdale Firefighters Mourn Loss Of One Of Their Own
Many of them are firefighters themselves who showed up in masses to visit him at the hospital where his flag draped the gurney and was eventually rolled into the Medical Examiners van amidst an emotional salute.
A wake is being held for Johns on Monday, October 6th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Sanctuary Church in Fort Lauderdale located at 1400 North Federal Highway.
READ: Ft. Lauderdale Firefighter Struck, Killed On I-95
The following day friends and family will gather for a funeral at 10:00 a.m. in the same location.
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