Death of CFD Paramedic Recovered from House Fire Ruled A Suicide: Medical Examiner

CHICAGO, IL -- A Chicago Fire Department paramedic found in the basement of a burning home Thursday afternoon in Mount Greenwood has been ruled a suicide, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office. Robert Spoon, 28, was a two-year paramedic for the city’s fire department. He also worked for the Hometown Fire Protection District as a part-time firefighter for ten years.

Fire crews responded to a house fire the 11400 block of South St. Louis around 3:45 p.m. Thursday. Neighbors described the house as being fully engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived. Spoon was found unresponsive in the home’s basement with an apparent “traumatic injury” unrelated to the blaze. He was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn where he was later pronounced dead. The 28-year-old paramedic was off duty when the fire occurred.

>>> Off-Duty Paramedic Dies After Being Found Inside Burning Mount Greenwood Home

An autopsy was conducted Friday by the Cook County Medical Examiner. The cause of death was attributed to a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head and thermal burns. Neighbors told ABC 7 Chicago that Spoon had been staying at the house with a friend, another Chicago firefighter who owned the home. The firefighter friend was not home at the time of the fire.

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to assist Spoon’s family with expenses. As of Friday afternoon, over $4,000 was raised with a fundraising goal of $10,000.

With a heavy heart, I'd like to tell you a story. A story of a man with whom his entire family and close friends were immensely proud.
Lt. Robert Spoon.
He served 10 years of duty with Hometown Fire Department and 2 1/2 years with the Chicago Fire Department.
He recieved the Fireman of the year award in 2015.
His drive and dedication for his job and for being an amazing father to his 2 year old son, were just a few of his most admirable traits.
Tragically, on June 1st Robert lost his life. He was taken too soon. Any donations would be greatly appreciated towards funeral expenses. Thank you in advance from the bottom of our hearts.
The Spoon Family