A popular City of Miami firefighter whose wife is expecting their first child is brain dead and on life support following a battle with cancer.
Rafael "Ralf" Garcia, a firefighter on a Miami fireboat, underwent emergency surgery Sunday to remove a tumor on his cerebellum.
He lost consciousness following the surgery and will be taken off life support Tuesday, officials said.
Garcia's wife, Maeghan, is seven months pregnant with their son, Mason.
"I've seen a lot of grown men walking around the hospital crying today," Lt. Christopher Cope said.
A post on Firehouse 9's Facebook page announced the death of Garcia, also known as "Robertico."
"Don't even know what to say. Stunned, heartbroken can't stop crying. Thank you for your efforts but sometimes it's not enough. We lost Ralf this morning. The last gentlemen Fireman," the post read. "We love you Robertico. We will see you again in the eyes of your soon to be born son and he will know you thru our story's."
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To donate to a fund for Garcia's child, click here.
