CHICAGO, Aug. 9 (UPI) -- A Chicago firefighter has died after a fall while battling a blaze at a downtown restaurant, authorities said.
Christopher Wheatly, 31, died at Chicago's Stroger Hospital Monday from injuries sustained when he fell 35 feet from a fire escape, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.
Firefighters had responded to a grease fire at the city's Avec restaurant.
"They had to go up to the roof area, where the grease shield extended through," Fire Commissioner Robert Hoff said. "Firefighter Christopher Wheatly was making his way up to the roof on a ladder that was attached the building, carrying his equipment.
"Apparently when he was making his way up, he apparently slipped and fell to the ground, causing critical injuries," Hoff said.
Fire officials say Wheatly, a 10-year veteran of the department, was carrying up to 75 pounds of equipment including an ax, oxygen tank and hose, the Sun-Times reported.
"This job is dangerous," Hoff said. "You never know what is going to happen when you pull out the door."
