Family Says Firefighter Died Doing What He Loved

SHERRILLS FORD, NC – Family members say a firefighter who died searching for a missing swimmer was doing what he loved.

“My son loved what he done. Loved helping people,” explains Bradley Long’s father Jerry.

Investigators still aren’t able to say what went wrong underwater Monday.

28-year-old Long didn’t come back up after diving into Lake Norman to look for the body of a missing swimmer, identified by family members as 29-year-old Isaiah Cruz.

Two other divers were treated at the hospital. Officials say they were anywhere from 35 to 75 feet underwater.

An investigation will be conducted by the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office. Officials say it will include looking into the diver’s gear and oxygen tanks.

“This investigation is going to be lengthy and very detailed,” says Karyn Yaussy, with Catawba County Emergency Services.

Family members say Long exemplified caring and compassion.

He was a 12 year member of Sherrill’s Ford Fire and Rescue and was also a Captain with Newton Fire.