North Attleboro Firefighter Dies While Snowblowing In His Driveway

NORTH ATTLEBORO (CBS)  — A North Attleboro firefighter unexpectedly died while clearing snow from his driveway Monday. North Attleboro Fire Chief Michael Brousseau said Chris Cornetta, 51, suffered a medical emergency while snowblowing around 6 a.m.

Cornetta was scheduled to work just two hours later.

A plow driver found Cornetta unconscious at the end of the driveway. His fellow firefighters responded to the 911 call.

He was taken to Sturdy Memorial Hospital, where he died.

"The firefighters that had to respond to that call, it's extremely difficult for them," said Brousseau.

"Really a great man, enjoyed helping people, and really took this job to heart," he added. "He just was a very happy, helpful guy."

Cornetta had been with the department for 29 years. He leaves behind a wife, a 22-year-old daughter, and a 19-year-old son.

His family released a statement saying: "Our family would like to thank everyone from the bottom of our hearts who have shown us such amazing support and compassion over these past two days. Chris was truly loved by so many and we will cherish all of the memories we shared with him. In lieu of flowers we would like to ask that donations be made to either the North Attleboro Firefighter's Kid's Day Association or North Attleboro Junior Football, both organizations that meant a great deal to Chris."

Visiting hours will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at St. Mark's Parish in Attleboro. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church in North Attleboro.