LEONARDTOWN, Md. — A Naval District Washington firefighter assigned to Patuxent River Naval Air Station died in the line of duty Tuesday.
Brice C. Trossbach, 25, was killed after becoming trapped inside the basement of a burning home on Deer Wood Park Drive in Leonardtown.
Investigators believe Trossbach fell through when the first floor collapsed, prompting a "mayday" to be called.
Despite other crew members being able to pull Trossbach out, resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful.
The Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office said they've collected evidence from the scene, and conducted nearly 100 interviews to determine the cause.
"While the owners and neighbors heard a loud sound consistent with a lightning strike, investigators must examine every possible cause before they reach a final conclusion," the Fire Marshal said in a statement.
Trossbach joined the fire department in 2019, but also served as a volunteer in Leonardtown since 2013.
Governor Wes Moore ordered flags to fly half staff in honor of Trossbach.
"My prayers are with the Trossbach family and the Naval District Washington Fire Department," said Moore. “Today and everyday, we honor Firefighter Trossbach and his service to Maryland.”
Flags will remain lowered until sunset on the day of internment.
