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Greensboro firefighter among 3 who died in fiery crash

Richard Murrell died in the crash. His wife is in the hospital with life-threatening injuries. Two people who were in the other car died at the scene.

BROWNS SUMMIT, N.C. — A Greensboro firefighter, a 26-year-old woman, and a teenager are dead after a fiery crash on NC-61 Saturday evening. A 16-year-old boy has been charged. 

North Carolina State Highway Patrol said just before 5 p.m., the driver of a Dodge Charger lost control, crossed the center lane, and hit a car. 

It happened near Turner-Smith Road in Guilford County. 

Richard 'Rick' Murrell was the driver of the car hit by the Dodge Charger. He died on the scene.

Murrell was a firefighter for the Greensboro Fire Department at Station 5. 

Officers said Murrell's wife, Tonya Murrell, was riding in the passenger seat and is still in critical but stable condition at Cone Hospital in Greensboro. 

The 16-year-old driver of the Dodge Charger, identified as Alexio Lattero, is hospitalized with serious life-threatening injuries. He is a volunteer firefighter for Fire District 28 in Gibsonville.

A family representative for the Lattero family said Alexio is awake but didn't remember what happened. They said he has broken ribs, a broken collar bone, and a punctured lung. 

The district shared a statement with WFMY News 2 that reads in part, "His [Alexio's] family has been long-time friends of the department, as well as the community. Alexio is a well-respected and active member in the junior program. The department asked for prayers for the family as they deal with the loss of a sister and friend. We also offer condolences to the Murrell family and have been in contact with Greensboro Fire Department officials throughout the incident. Fire District 28 will continue to support the families throughout this tragic time." 

There were two other passengers in the Dodge Charger. Alexio's sister, 26-year-old Anna Lattero, and 15-year-old Sarah were trapped inside the car when it caught fire. Both died on the scene. 

The State Highway Patrol Crash Reconstruction Unit said the main contributing factor leading to the cause of the crash was exceeding a safe speed due to the conditions of the roadway. For example, wet roads and rain.

Alexio was charged with three misdemeanors:

  • Death by motor vehicle
  • Exceeding a safe speed
  • Driving left of center

Troopers said Alexio has a valid North Carolina limited provisional level 2 driver's license. 

A limited provisional level 2 license allows the license holder to drive without supervision (a) from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., (b) when driving directly to or from work, and (c) when driving directly to or from an activity of a volunteer fire department, volunteer rescue squad, or volunteer emergency medical service if the driver is a member of the organization.

Alexio is scheduled to appear in court in September. 

Remembering veteran firefighter Rick Murrell

The Greensboro Fire Department said they lost a 33-year veteran who's been with the department since July 1, 1989, and earned the rank of Engineer.

Rick worked at Station 5 most of his career and was an example firefighter for those that worked with him. 

Engineer Murrell was a part of the Urban Search & Rescue (USAR) team and was an expert in all of the technical rescue disciplines. He also was deployed as part of the USAR team multiple times across North Carolina and throughout the nation during several natural disasters. 

Rick was a husband and father of three children ages 17, 19, and 21.

Credit: The Greensboro Fire Department

Greensboro Fire Chief Dwayne Church released a statement and asked that everyone keeps the Murrell family and the fire department in their thoughts and prayers. 

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Engineer Rick Murrell. Rick was a great husband, an awesome father to three amazing children, a great firefighter, and a dedicated member of our family. We are hurting today as a family.”

There aren’t enough words to speak to the impact that Rick Murrell has left on anyone who knew him. As he is...

Posted by City of Greensboro Fire Department on Monday, July 11, 2022

Mayor Nancy Vaughan posted on Facebook about how the community is mourning the loss of a long-time firefighter and army veteran 'Rick' after serving 30 years with the Greensboro Fire Department. 

"It has been a difficult few months for our police and fire departments. Last night we lost a longtime firefighter, Engineer Rick Murrell in a car accident, while off duty.  He served the GFD for 30 years and was an Army Veteran.  His wife Tonya is in serious condition. Prayers for their family and friends as they work through this tragic situation. Just a few short weeks ago, firefighter recruit, Andrew Vaughn, 36, died in training. In late June Lt Donald Webb, 26-year employee with the GPD died unexpectedly. In December, Capt Dan Moore 24 years officer the GPD died after a short battle [with] cancer. Also in June, our engineering dept lost long-time employee Eric Tart, 57,  after a battle with cancer. Their deaths leave a void in our City of Greensboro family. They will all be missed. Their legacy and deeds live on," Mayor Vaughan said. 

Condolences have poured in online about the firefighter's death.

It is with greatest sadness we process the loss of Engineer Rick Murrell. Rick was an absolutely wonderful human being, a solid fireman that was appreciated & respected by all. Rest easy, brother ❤️

Posted by Professional Firefighters of Greensboro on Saturday, July 9, 2022

Murrell was planning on retiring in January. 

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