'Hero' Paramedic Driving Ambulance Dies in Tragic Crash

A Penn Hills paramedic has died after the ambulance he was driving crashed into another vehicle, according to emergency services officials.

First-responder Nick Theofilis, 23, had been driving on Fifth Avenue, close to Morewood Avenue, in Shadyside, Pittsburgh, when the crash happened at about 11:40 p.m. on Sunday.

According to Pennsylvania government documents, in 2021, 1,230 people were killed, and another 69,599 people were injured, in crashes across the state.

According to WPXI, a television station in Pittsburgh, when medics arrived at the crash site, they found Theofilis had suffered a cardiac arrest.

The paramedic and volunteer firefighter was rushed to a nearby hospital in a life-threatening condition and died half an hour after the crash from the injuries he sustained.

A man who was in the passenger seat of the ambulance suffered facial lacerations, head trauma, and a possible concussion. He is said to be in a stable condition.

There were no patients inside the ambulance at the time of the crash, the network reported. The driver of the other vehicle was taken to the hospital with stomach pain but was said to be in a stable condition.

Diane Fitzhenry, Penn Hills Emergency Medical Services (EMS) supervisor, said in a November 28 news release: "It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that I announce the death of paramedic Nicholas A. Theofilis of Pen Hills EMS (Station 280) who lost his life in the line of duty on Sunday, November 27, 2022, at 11:39 p.m.

"Nick's death was a result of injuries sustained in a motor-vehicle accident on Fifth Avenue near Morewood Street in the City of Pittsburgh. The accident is under investigation by Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Crash Investigation Team.

"Further information, including funeral arrangements, will be provided when finalized."

Pittsburgh Public Safety Director Lee Schmidt told WPXI: "This tragic incident underscores the dangers first-responders face each and every day on the job.

"No call is an ordinary call, and paramedics, police, and firefighters put the lives of strangers ahead of their own as they serve their fellow residents without question or hesitations. Pittsburgh Public Safety supports Penn Hills EMS during this extremely difficult time."

Theofilis worked as a full-time emergency medical technician (EMT) for White Oak EMS between March 2019 and March 2022, while he attended paramedic school.

Upon graduating, Theofilis returned to Penn Hills where he grew up, although he was on the White Oak EMS part-time roster.

In a Facebook post on Monday, a White Oak EMS spokesperson said: "Our thoughts and prayers go out to Nick's family locally, in Greece, and to our brothers and sisters at Penn Hills EMS. Nick Theofilis, paramedic and friend, taken from us too soon."

Penn Hills Mayor Pauline Calabrese said on Monday: "It is with a heavy heart and a profound sense of sadness, that I announce the death of Paramedic Nick Theofilis, who died tragically in the line of duty last evening.

"He will forever be a hero to Penn Hills and the community that he served his whole life. Accordingly, the flag of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the flag of the Municipality of Penn Hills will be lowered and flown at half-mast.

"We ask that you please keep Nick Theofilis and his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time."

Newsweek has contacted Penn Hills EMS for comment.