Veteran Orange County Firefighter Dies After Cardiac Arrest on Duty

LAGUNA NIGUEL, Calif. — A veteran Orange County Fire Authority engineer died Sunday after suffering cardiac arrest while responding to a kitchen fire at a Laguna Niguel home. Kevin Skinner, 56, collapsed shortly before 5 a.m. on Jan. 5, 2025, after searching for residents in a two-story home on the 2900 block of Pointe Royale.

Skinner, a 25-year veteran of the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA), told his captain he wasn’t feeling well during the search. He was escorted outside to a paramedic unit, where he suddenly collapsed. Despite immediate life-saving efforts by fellow firefighters and medical personnel, Skinner was pronounced dead at Providence Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo.

OCFA Chief Brian Fennessy described Skinner as a dedicated firefighter and apparatus engineer who was well-liked and respected by his colleagues. “Kevin was a dedicated member of the OCFA family, serving with distinction and unwavering commitment to the community,” Fennessy said during a news conference. “His presence will be missed.”

Skinner, a Fallbrook resident, joined the OCFA in 1999 after serving four years in the U.S. Navy. He is survived by his wife, Lucia, and their three children, Sierra, Kate, and Zac. The OCFA released a statement expressing deep sorrow over Skinner’s passing, saying, “His loss is deeply felt by his colleagues and the countless lives he touched during his career.”

During the incident, one woman was found inside the home and assessed for smoke inhalation, according to OCFA Capt. Thanh Nguyen. Later on Sunday, a solemn procession of firefighters and police vehicles escorted Skinner’s body to the Orange County Coroner’s office. Fire trucks from neighboring cities, including Anaheim and Orange, lined overpasses along the I-5 freeway, saluting as the convoy passed below.

Skinner’s death has sent shockwaves through the Orange County community, with many expressing their condolences and gratitude for his service. “Our hearts are with his family, friends, and all who knew him during this incredibly difficult time,” the OCFA said in a statement. “We are deeply grateful for Kevin’s dedication to protecting our community and will never forget his sacrifice.”