Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

A volunteer firefighter and paramedic was killed in an off-duty accident Tuesday morning.
William Oxendine, a volunteer with Center Rural Volunteer Fire Department and paramedic with Stanly County EMS, was hit by a logging truck on his way to work, according to Norwood Police Chief James Wilson.
The accident happened at 7:01 a.m. on U.S. Highway 52 near the Marathon convenience store.
Wilson said the department is actively investigating the crash.
He called Oxendine a “great guy.”
“This is just such a loss for Norwood and the Stanly County community,” Wilson said.
Stanly County Emergency Services Director Michael Roark also confirmed the death in a press release Tuesday afternoon.
“It is with deep sorrow that Stanly County officials announce the tragic death of Lt. William Oxendine, a dedicated paramedic and field training officer with Stanly County Emergency Services and a devoted member of the Central Rural Volunteer Fire Department,” the release said.
“Lt. Oxendine, who had served the community for more than 20 years, was driving to work in the early hours of the morning when his vehicle was involved in a collision. Despite the immediate efforts of first responders, Lt. Oxendine succumbed to injuries sustained in the accident.
“In addition to his role with Stanly County EMS, Lt. Oxendine was an active volunteer firefighter with the Central Rural Volunteer Fire Department, where he earned the admiration and respect of fellow firefighters and the community for his unwavering dedication and service.”
Agencies responding to the accident included Stanly County EMS, Center Rural Volunteer Fire Department, Southside Volunteer Fire Department, Norwood Police Department and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.
The statement noted that funeral arrangements are pending and that a public memorial service is being finalized.
“Stanly County Emergency Services, the Central Rural Volunteer Fire Department, and the entire community of Stanly County express their deepest condolences to Will’s family. We ask for prayers for Will’s immediate family, as well as his extended family of Stanly County Emergency Services and Center Rural Volunteer Fire Department. The loss of this courageous individual will be felt by all who knew them,” the release stated.