Overview
- Police found the man in his 30s under a bridge near an expressway in Siheung on Aug. 20 and reported no signs of foul play as they probe the circumstances of his death.
- He left home on Aug. 9 and was last seen driving through the South Incheon Tollgate early Aug. 10; his car was later found on the shoulder with his phone, wallet and other belongings inside, and he had left an apology note.
- Roughly 330 personnel, including search dogs and drones, were mobilized over about 11 days to search areas near where the vehicle was discovered.
- The firefighter had been diagnosed with depression after responding to the 2022 Itaewon crowd crush and had received therapy and treatment from the National Fire Agency and the Incheon Fire Department.
- News of his death follows the belated disclosure that another responder in his 40s died on July 29 after a denied request for state-recognized medical leave, as President Lee Jae Myung pledged stronger support and additional counseling for thousands of responders.