A tragic incident unfolded in Chambers County, Alabama, where James Bartholomew Cauthen, a 54-year-old battalion fire chief with Coweta County Fire in Georgia, was fatally shot after stopping to assist a couple whose car had collided with a deer.

The shooting occurred around 5 p.m. on Sunday when Cauthen noticed the stranded couple, who were unable to call for help due to poor cell service, as reported by the ABC News. After approaching a nearby property to seek help, they encountered William Randall Franklin, who opened fire without warning, injuring both Cauthen and the driver.

According to the CBS News, Cauthen was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other two individuals were transported to medical centers. Investigators revealed that the driver returned fire, injuring Franklin, who will be charged with murder once he is released from the hospital.

Chambers County's Chief Deputy Mike Parrish expressed disbelief at the situation, stating, "A deer wreck...you pull up and three people are shot—it just doesn’t make sense any way you look at it," according to USA Today.

Cauthen had over 24 years of dedicated service with Coweta County Fire Rescue. The department issued a heartfelt statement, mourning the loss of an "amazing, hard-working man with a gentle soul." The fire department emphasized their overwhelming sorrow and expressed condolences to Cauthen’s family and friends. Cauthen's passing is deeply felt within the firefighting community, as noted in a post on their official social media platforms.

This incident has prompted a broader conversation about the safety of emergency responders and those wishing to help others in distress. As the investigation continues, local authorities urge anyone with information to contact the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office.

For more details on Cauthen's legacy and the impact of this tragic event, visit AP News.