JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville Fire and Rescue said that one of its engineers, Colton R. Tibbetts, died on Wednesday morning. He was 23.
In a post on social media, JFRD said that Tibbetts joined the agency three years ago, and in November, was promoted to engineer at just 22 years old.
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This morning, active duty Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department Engineer Colton Tibbetts passed away.
— THEJFRD (@THEJFRD) March 25, 2026
He was a beloved son, brother, friend, and a dedicated firefighter who served our community with pride.
Colton followed in his father Brian’s footsteps when he joined JFRD… pic.twitter.com/tlnyyf7hSH
“He was a beloved son, brother, friend, and a dedicated firefighter who served our community with pride,” JFRD said. “We ask that you keep the Tibbetts family, his crew, and all members of JFRD in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
The Jacksonville Firefighters Death Benefit Fund also posted to social media with a tribute to Tibbetts, noting that he came from a family of firefighters.
The post also stated that Tibbetts died following a single-vehicle crash that happened on Wednesday morning.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a 23-year-old man was killed in a crash early Wednesday morning in Putnam County.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office mentioned that the crash took place in another county in their tribute to Tibbetts.
“We have the utmost respect for those who put their lives on the line to protect the people of our great city. He chose public service as a career, following in his father’s footsteps,” JSO wrote on social media.
The page said it will update the community on funeral arrangements once they are finalized.