BOSSIER PARISH, La. – Jessie Henry, a 28-year-old firefighter with the South Bossier Fire District 2, tragically died after suffering serious injuries in a workplace accident on Dec. 18.
Henry was performing maintenance on an apparatus tire at the Bossier District’s Station No. 4 when the tire blew up on him for unknown reasons at about 9 a.m., according to the fire department.
Henry was transported to LSU Ochsner for treatment, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The firefighter had worked for the Bossier department for four years. He previously served in the U.S. Army, and he was active in the Army Reserves.
No additional information about the accident has been released. Henry reportedly leaves behind a 9-year-old daughter, a non-profit he started for young students, and a promising MMA fighting career.
Commentary on the fatal tire explosion that killed Jessie Henry
I was deeply saddened to learn of this fatal workplace accident that stole the life of Jessie Henry— a 28-year-old firefighter, father, patriot, philanthropist, and athlete. What a significant loss, not only to his young daughter, but also to his community and our country. I have no doubt that he will be greatly missed. I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends, and co-workers.
Mr. Henry was reportedly performing maintenance on an apparatus tire when the tire blew up, causing fatal injuries. Authorities however, have not specified what kind of maintenance he was engaged in.
I have practices personal injury, wrongful death, and product defect litigation for more than 30 years, and this accident unfortunately reminds me of many cases I have handled. The nature of the tragedy brings several questions to mind. 
Prior to the tragic accident, did the South Bossier Fire District 2 have a routine maintenance program in place? If so, was the maintenance program fully supervised, implemented, and followed? What specific maintenance was Mr. Henry in the process of performing?
The report indicates that Mr. Henry had worked at the fire station for four years; however, had he been properly trained to perform the work that he was engaged in when the tire blew?
In addition, and perhaps most importantly, what is the make, model, and identification number of the tire? All tires are required by the government to include an identification number to indicate the time and place where the tire was manufactured. With that ID number, every tire in America can be traced to the exact plant where the tire was made and when it was made.
At first glance, this may appear to be a freak accident, but it could very well be due to a manufacturing defect. In order to conduct a thorough investigation, the tire and every piece of tread that blew apart from the rim must be preserved and inspected.
Disclaimer: All information contained within this post was compiled from public sources or constitutes the opinion of the author. Please inform us immediately if you identify any false or misleading information.
