Rio Verde Fire District issued the following statement following the sudden death of retired RVFD Deputy Chief Eric Merrill in a car crash near his home in the West Valley on Saturday, May 25.

“The Rio Verde Fire District is mourning the tragic loss of Deputy Chief Eric Merrill of the Rio Verde Fire District.

“Chief Merrill, a military veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, had just retired from Rio Verde Fire District three weeks prior.

“Eric spent 40 years throughout Maricopa County in the Fire/EMS service, spending his last 15 years with the Rio Verde Fire District.

“Eric was driving with his son, Steven Merrill in Buckeye, Ariz. at the time of the accident, leaving his son recovering in the hospital.

“Eric is survived by his wife, Deana, his son, Steven (also injured in the accident), and daughter, Alyssa.

“Please keep the Merrill family, their loved ones, friends, and fire brothers and sisters in your prayers during this most difficult time.

“There has been a “Go Fund Me” page set up to help the family. To donate please visit - https://www.gofundme.com/f/rvfd-eric-merrill-family-fund.

“No funeral dates are set at this time.”