M.E.: firefighter died from head injury

WAKEFIELD, R.I. (WPRI) - Rhode Island's medical examiner said a Kingston volunteer firefighter killed on the job earlier this week died from blunt impact of the head with skull fracture and brain injuries.

Assistant Chief Allan "Pickles" LePage , 67, was found unresponsive behind the Kingston Fire Department near the URI campus Monday. He died from his injuries Tuesday.

While officials are now investigating his death to determine exactly how LePage was killed, it is believed he hit his head while working on a ladder truck.

A wake will be held Friday afternoon for LePage from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia Street, Wakefield.

Firefighters have been asked to assemble in the South Kingstown High School parking lot at 215 Columbia Street in Wakefield no later than 3pm. The honor contingent will march from the high school to the funeral home.

Kingston Fire officials say LePage’s death was their department’s first ever on duty fatality, and that other fire departments in the area have stepped up to offer coverage so their department can attend his funeral.

A funeral will be held for LePage will be held Saturday at the Ryan Center.