An entire community is heartbroken and working to support the family of 24-year-old Mason Fercovic-Ortegel, a Spotsylvania County Firefighter who drowned in Lake Anna on Thursday.
News4 spoke with Spotsylvania County’s fire chief and the sheriff’s office by phone, and details about how Mason drowned are still under investigation, but no foul play is suspected in the tragic death.
Spotsylvania County Fire and Rescue Chief Jason Irby said Fercovic-Ortegel joined the fire department in 2024.
“In a short period of time, made a lasting impact on our members and the community that we serve,” Irby said. “Mason was a great firefighter, but, more importantly, he was a better person.”
Fercovic-Ortegel leaves behind a wife and the couple’s 16-month-old baby girl.
“We stand with them and will continue to support them in the days ahead,” said Lt. Col. Delbert Myrick with the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office.
Now the community is raising money to support his family. An online fundraiser organized by loved ones said Fercovic-Ortegel lived and worked to support his wife so she could pour all of her love and energy into being a stay-at-home mom. In just two days, the community has raised nearly $30,000.
“Please continue to keep Mason’s family, friends and our entire department in your thoughts and prayers,” Irby said.
