Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

A volunteer firefighter for the New London Volunteer Fire Department was killed in the line of duty in a motor vehicle accident Wednesday.

The Stanly County Fire Marshal’s Office released a statement on behalf of the fire department Wednesday night.

“The New London Volunteer Fire Department is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Firefighter Christopher Edward Rothmeyer. Firefighter Rothmeyer tragically lost his life in the line of duty due to a motor vehicle accident while responding to another accident with the NLVFD,” the press release stated.

The single-vehicle accident happened on N.C. Highway 8 near Baldwin Road in New London.

“New London Volunteer Fire Department, Stanly County EMS and Richfield-Misenheimer Volunteer Fire Department responded to the scene and administered life-saving measures. Firefighter Rothmeyer was transported to Atrium Stanly Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries,” the release stated.

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is investigating the accident.

Rothmeyer, 27, has served Stanly County since 2016, spending stints with the New London Volunteer Fire Department and Bethany Community Volunteer Fire Department and Stanly County EMS.

“Funeral arrangements are pending. At this time, both his family and the Fire Department respectfully request thoughts, prayers, and privacy as they cope with this profound loss. Further information will be shared once arrangements are finalized,” the release concluded.

This is a developing story.