The Beach Park Fire Department announced they are mourning the sudden loss of a 32-year-old lieutenant firefighter who died on Wednesday in Gurnee.
Lake County Coroner Jennifer Banek told Lake and McHenry County Scanner that Christian Samuels, 32, of Beach Park, was found dead around 7:40 a.m. Wednesday at the Holiday Inn, 6161 West Grand Avenue in Gurnee.
Banek said that Samuels’s cause of death is believed to have been suicide.
“It is with deepest sorrow that we inform you of the passing of our beloved member, Lieutenant Samuels,” the Beach Park Fire Department announced Thursday afternoon.
“For those who knew him, he leaves behind a great legacy and will truly be missed by all. Those who didn’t have the chance to meet Chris, everyone would tell you how infectious is laugh was, and what a dear friend he was to everyone he met,” the fire department said in a statement.
“There was not a single person he didn’t greet as if they were old friends. Lt. Samuels was a great asset here at the Beach Park Fire Department. He was a great leader, mentor, and most of all, brother. We have all been blessed to work alongside him during his many years with us,” the department added.
The department asked the public to keep the Samuels family in their thoughts and prayers as they “navigate through this difficult time.” Information is to come regarding services and donations.