Family of Firefighter Who Died From Asphyxia Settles Suit Against City

The Hartford City Council approved the settlement Monday night

The family of a Hartford firefighter who died when he ran out of air while battling a house fire in 2014 has settled its wrongful death lawsuit against the city for $350,000.

The Hartford City Council approved the settlement Monday night. An attorney representing Kevin Bell's estate tells The Hartford Courant both sides agreed not to comment further.

Bell's family had filed suit last year, saying they were seeking answers about why Bell was left behind for more than eight minutes even though a mayday call had been made by his lieutenant.

The medical examiner's office concluded the 48-year-old Bell died of asphyxia because his tank ran out of air.

State safety investigators found the city had failed to properly maintain and test the air tanks Bell was using.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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