Sad Day for Philadelphia

Firefighter collapses at Overbrook scene, dies

Veteran firefighter Tracy Champion, 49, died after he collapsed while battling a house fire early yesterday morning, officials said.

Champion lost consciousness about 2:30 a.m. at the scene in the city's Overbrook section. Rescue workers tried to revive him, but he later died at Lankenau Hospital, according to a statement from the Philadelphia Fire Department.

The cause of death was not immediately released.

Champion, who had been with the department for 21 years, is survived by his wife and two children.Associated Press