Benson & Crothers - Minneaplis FD

Grant R. Benson, Firefighter, Engine 8 - March 16, 1977

Jack D. Crothers, Firefighter, Engine 8 - March 16, 1977

Benson and Crothers died in action at a fire in Vic's Body Shop at 2212 Hennepin Avenue South. They had just entered the basement in search of the seat of the fire when a rapid build up of intense heat and very toxic smoke trapped them. Crothers was rescued soon but had suggered fatal smoke inhalation. Intense fire prevented reaching Benson for more than an hour, by which time he had also succumbed.

August 2012 Update: Updated date of death from March 15, 1977.