TJ Wennhold Obituary, Death – Firefighters in Calaveras County faced a heartbreaking scene last week when they responded to a crash and discovered that one of their own had died in the accident. The Central Calaveras Fire Protection District reported that the incident occurred on Wednesday morning around 8:30 a.m. on Mountain Ranch Road, near Rocky Road.
The crash involved a single vehicle that had veered off the road, landing upside down in a nearby creek. The driver, identified as 19-year-old TJ Wennhold, was pronounced dead at the scene. TJ was a firefighter with the Central Calaveras Fire Protection District and had been a part of the department since he began as a cadet at the age of 15. He was on his way to a scheduled shift when the tragic accident occurred.
The loss of TJ Wennhold has deeply affected the fire department and the community. In a statement, the fire district expressed their grief, saying, “This incident has deeply wounded us, and we appreciate the outpouring of support we are receiving from our community and beyond.”
Adding to the tragedy, TJ’s father, Bill Wennhold, serves as the fire chief of the Central Calaveras Fire Protection District. The loss of TJ is not only a profound personal loss for his family but also a significant loss for the entire firefighting community that viewed him as a dedicated and promising young firefighter.
As the department and the community mourn the loss of TJ Wennhold, they remember his commitment to service and his aspirations in the firefighting profession. His tragic passing has prompted an outpouring of support from both the local community and the broader firefighting community, reflecting the deep bonds and mutual respect among those who serve in this demanding and dangerous profession.