Fannin County volunteer firefighter killed by fallen tree

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A Fannin County volunteer firefighter was killed Monday afternoon when a tree fell on his truck.

It happened on State Route 136 near New Bethel Church Road. Authorities said an old oak tree toppled on a vehicle driven by 47-year-old Stanley Richard Henson as he was driving past.

Georgia State Patrol Trooper Chris Jones, who responded to the crash, said there was nothing Henson could have done differently to save himself.

“A tree had fell from the north shoulder across the road and landed on top of the truck,” said Trooper Jones. “There was nothing, no avoiding it.”

The trooper said investigators learned Henson was a volunteer firefighter when they spotted firefighting gear in the smashed pickup.

Chief Larry Thomas with Fannin County Fire and Emergency Services told FOX 5 News Henson had been with the department for several years.

“Stanley was a really good guy. He was there. He was very close, actually fixing to be promoted to a Lt. position,” said Chief Thomas.

The chief said Henson left behind a wife and two teen children and much more who will miss him.

“His wife is also a volunteer firefighter for this county as well. It’s devastating to us. It’s devastating to us as a department,” said Chief Thomas.

Denise Warcop, who drove by the crash on her way home, said the truck was indistinguishable under the oak tree. She and her husband, who run a motorcycle ministry group, are offering prayers for Stanley Richard Henson and those he leaves behind.

“The first thing I thought is man somebody is getting a phone call your husbands not coming home, your daddies not coming home,” said Warcop.

Chief Thomas said Henson was in Dawson County working another job as a truck driver.

Funeral plans have not yet been finalized.

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