The fire truck overturned Friday near Sigman and Eastview roads while heading to a reported structure fire.
CONYERS, GA — A Rockdale County firefighter died Friday after a fire truck overturned at Sigman Road and Eastview Road while responding to a reported structure fire, state and county officials said.
Gov. Brian Kemp identified the firefighter as Juan Antonia Smith. Atlanta News First reported Smith was 26 and had served with Rockdale County Fire Rescue for two and a half years. The crash has shaken the department and added a line-of-duty death to an investigation now led by the Georgia State Patrol.
The crash happened around 5 p.m. Friday at the intersection of Sigman and Eastview roads near Conyers. The Georgia State Patrol said the Rockdale County Fire Rescue truck was making a left turn when it overturned onto its passenger side. Smith was riding in the back of the truck and was ejected during the rollover. He died at the scene. Fire Chief James Robinson said the department was grieving “the loss of one of our own” and said the firefighter’s family and the Fire Rescue family were hurting from the tragedy.
Investigators have not said whether another vehicle was involved. Officials also have not released a full crash report or said how many firefighters were on the truck when it rolled over. Video from news helicopters showed the fire apparatus on its side near the corner, with emergency vehicles gathered around it. Witness Yasuke Aki told WSB-TV he was outside at a nearby gas station when he heard fire trucks and then “a loud thump.” He said he saw firefighters trying to reach their colleague after the crash.
Rockdale County officials first withheld the firefighter’s name while family notifications were being made. Kemp later named Smith in a public statement and said he and his family were saddened by the death. Rockdale County Fire Rescue said in a Saturday statement that Smith was a dedicated public servant who answered the call to protect and serve others. The department said his service, sacrifice and commitment to the community would not be forgotten. Fire departments in nearby Clayton and Henry counties also posted condolences after the crash.
The wreck drew attention because it happened while the crew was on duty and responding to an emergency call. Line-of-duty deaths carry added weight for fire departments because the death comes during public service and often leads to reviews of equipment, response conditions and safety procedures. In this case, officials have released only the basic sequence: the truck was responding to a reported blaze, entered a left turn and overturned. The exact cause of the rollover remains unknown.
The Georgia State Patrol is investigating the crash. That review is expected to examine the truck’s movement before the turn, the condition of the road, the apparatus, any possible witness accounts and whether any other vehicle or object played a role. County officials said more information would be released when it becomes available. No charges had been announced as of Sunday, and no public hearing or briefing date had been released.
The crash scene showed signs of a violent impact. WSB-TV reported that a light pole was knocked over and concrete was broken near the intersection. Aki said firefighters brought equipment, including jacks, as they tried to help. Another neighbor, Rodney Thomas, told FOX 5 Atlanta that he often visited the station and described the firefighters as helpful and kind. He said the loss was terrible for the Rockdale firefighting family.
As of Sunday, Rockdale County Fire Rescue was mourning Smith while state investigators continued to review the crash. The next public update is expected to come from county officials or the Georgia State Patrol after additional findings are ready.
Author note: Last updated June 14, 2026.