For the most up-to-date version of the story, please read:

Firefighter Charged with Reckless Homicide in Crash that Killed Downers Grove Woman

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An Orland Park firefighter was involved in a car crash March 1, that claimed the life of a Downers Grove woman in Unincorporated Cook County.

Lieutenant Pat Bruce was off duty and driving his personal vehicle at the time of the accident, according to Orland Park Fire Chief Ken Brucki.

The crash occurred on 167^th Street, near Oak Forest, when the black SUV Bruce was driving struck a white SUV and then veered into oncoming traffic and hit an Oldsmobile.

The driver of the Oldsmobile, Anasis Knox, 25, was transported to South Suburban Hospital and died later that day.

The Orland Park Fire Protection District is cooperating with police investigators, according to a statement released by the district Sunday.

“It was a very unfortunate accident that claimed a life,” said Brucki. “Our thoughts and condolences go out to the Knox family.”

Two other people involved in the accident were hospitalized.

Lt. Bruce sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene. Bruce has been on fire district duty injury leave since July 2012.

“We remained supportive of our employee,” said Brucki.

—Original reporting by Anna Schier

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