PINEVILLE, N.C. (AP) - Authorities say a 20-year-old volunteer firefighter has died after battling a blaze in the Pineville area outside Charlotte.
Local media outlets report authorities identified the man as Richard Sheltra, adding he was a volunteer firefighter for three years.
Pineville and Charlotte fire crews said they responded to a fire shortly after 9 p.m. Saturday at a golf store at the Countryside Shopping Center. WBTV reported that other firefighters found Sheltra was found in distress and removed him from the building. He was taken to a medical center where he was pronounced dead.
Pineville Volunteer Fire Department Chief Michael Gerin says the community is mourning the death of a friend, brother and very dedicated volunteer.
Authorities say a Charlotte firefighter also was hurt. No civilians were injured in the fire.
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