53-year-old Ballardsville firefighter dies after responding to fire on Saturday evening

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A 53-year-old Ballardsville firefighter died on Saturday evening after experiencing a medical emergency while responding to a fire in Goshen.

Jordan Yuodis, spokesperson for Anchorage Middletown Fire and EMS, said firefighters were working a scene on Saturday evening when a firefighter had a medical emergency. Thomas Petschke Jr. was taken to Norton Hospital, but he didn't survive.

"Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family, friends, and fellow firefighters during this difficult time," Yuodis said in a news release. "We ask that you keep the fallen firefighter and his loved ones in your thoughts during this time of grief."

North Oldham Fire Department Chief Hewett Brown said firefighters responded to an abandoned structure fire on North Buckeye Lane in Oldham County. The fire spread to an overgrown area and six acres of woods, according to Brown.

No additional details were released regarding the death. The cause of death is pending a medical exam, according to the Jefferson County Coroner's Office.

Crews were still working on the fire as of 7:30 p.m.