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Deadly day on Surrey and Delta roads after three die in crashes, including a Surrey firefighter

Ryan Hammerer, 44, a member of Surrey Fire and Rescue for 15 years, has died
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The scene of a head-on collision that killed two people on King George Highway and 81st Avenue in Surrey on Sunday morning (Nov. 20).

By John Colebourn, PNG

Surrey firefighters had heavy hearts Sunday after finding out one of their own died in a car accident on his way to work.

Ryan Hammerer, 44, a member of the Surrey Fire and Rescue for 15 years died, when his Jeep, travelling eastbound in the 10400-block of Ladner Trunk Road, went off the road and hit a parked semi-tractor trailer truck.

Hammerer was the only occupant in the Jeep when the 8:45 a.m. accident happened. No one in the truck was hurt.

Delta police spokesman Sharlene Brooks said it is unclear what happened. “My understanding is the vehicle went off the road and struck a stationary semi-truck,” she said.

Brooks said she did not know why the truck was parked at the side of the road. “It could have been broken down, we will be looking at why it was there,” she said.

Surrey Fire Fighters Association president Mike McNamara said it was a very difficult day for firefighters at the Fleetwood fire hall where Hammerer was based. “He was very well liked and respected,” said McNamara.

(Story continues below photo)

PICTURED: Scene of crash on Ladner Truck Road in Delta. NICK PROCAYLO / PNG

He said they are waiting to hear what happened as Hammerer travelled from his home to work.

“I don’t really have too much information on the crash,” he said. “This is just horrible,” he said of the loss of Hammerer, who had a wife and two young children.

One of the big things Hammerer did at Christmas time was help with the Bright Nights event at Stanley Park which raised money for the B.C. Firefighters Burn Fund.

“He did a tremendous amount of work for the Bright Nights event,” said McNamara. “You couldn’t ask for a more hardworking guy, “ he said. “Everyone is in shock. He was a big part of the team here.”

Surrey assistant fire chief Chris Keon said co-workers were stunned at the tragedy. “All we really know is it was a motor-vehicle accident,” he said.

Surrey Mayor Linda Hepner it was devastating to hear of the tragedy.

“I know this firefighter and I am heartbroken to hear this tragic news,” she said. “My heart goes out to the family and my prayers are with them. I also want to extend my condolences to my Surrey Firefighter family.”

The accident scene was closed off for much of the day as traffic analysts looked at the crash.

The Delta accident came just after a head-on car accident that claimed the lives of two people on King George Boulevard between 80th Avenue and 82 Avenue. The roadway was closed in both directions for most of Sunday as police investigated.

“At this point of the investigation, it appears as though both vehicles were occupied by only the drivers.  Both of which passed away at the scene of the crash,” police said in a press release.

“It has not yet been determined as to the cause of the crash,” the release said. “Alcohol, drugs or distracted driving are all being taken into consideration.”