Retired Shelton Firefighter Dies, Help Sought For His Family

SHELTON, CT — The Echo Hose Hook & Ladder Co. 1, the towns of Shelton, Ansonia, and beyond, and the entire firefighting community are mourning the death of retired volunteer Fire Lt. Christopher "Opie" Skurat at the age of 38. A GoFundMe page has been created to assist the family. More than $6,000 was raised in just a few hours.

"It is with deep regret the Officers of the Echo Hose Hook & Ladder Co.1 announce the passing of Past Lieutenant Christopher "Opie" Skurat at the age of 38. Opie passed away early this morning after bravely battling Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma since the summer of 2017. He is survived by his wife Carla, his two sons Jake & Ryan, his mother Donna, and sisters Gretchen and Karen.
Please keep the Skurat family in your thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.
A GoFundMe page has been setup to assist the family."

The family lives in Ansonia. According to the GoFundMe page, it says that Skurat was diagnosed with stage 4 lymphoma in 2017 and on Monday, December 17th he was admitted into the ICU at Yale-New Haven Hospital.

"It has been a long, difficult road with him starting chemo on November 2, 2017. He has now been diagnosed with a rare blood disorder, HLH, while still fighting the lymphoma cancer in the ICU. Both Opie and Carla have been unable to work due to all the doctors’ appointments, chemo treatments, surgeries and hospital stays. Not only has Carla been by Opie’s side, caring for him, but she has been the primary care provider and supporter for their 2 sons, Jake (13 years old) and Ryan (10 years old).

Carla has been trying to keep life as close to normal as she can for the boys which has been a not so easy task. They need our help to make Christmas as peaceful as it can be by not worrying about finances. They have medical bills, their family, their fur-babies and their home to provide for financially. Right now we are trying to help take the focus off of finances and put the concentration on Opie and their family unit. Any amount would be greatly appreciated. No amount is ever too small. We ask you to please show some Christmas spirit and compassion to help this family."

>>>Click here to go directly to the GoFundMe page.

Image via GoFundMe. GoFundMe is a Patch Partner.