The city of Phoenix agreed to a $605,000 settlement in a wrongful death lawsuit after firefighters allegedly dropped 76-year-old Ronald Shuck while carrying him in a desk chair.
The incident occurred on January 5, 2024, when firefighters responded to a 911 call at Shuck's trailer home. Instead of using a gurney, they placed him in a rolling office chair to carry him down concrete steps, according to the family's complaint.
Shuck fell backward onto the stairs and ground, suffering severe injuries to his head and back. He was hospitalized and died on January 23, 2024.
The Phoenix City Council unanimously approved the settlement on July 1. Shuck's wife had accused the firefighters of gross negligence and improper training in the 2024 lawsuit.