Memorial service planned for Huntersville firefighter who lost battle with COVID-19

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. — A memorial service will take place on Tuesday for a Huntersville firefighter who succumbed to COVID-19.

Veteran Huntersville firefighter Jeffery Hager died on Sept. 10 from complications caused by COVID-19. His wife died from COVID a few days later, according to a post shared Saturday by her parents on CaringBridge.

“I know that Jeff was standing at the gates of Heaven with a sly smile, waiting to give her a big hug and a kiss! Our hearts are shattered and there are no words to explain the pain and grief we are feeling,” her parents said in the post.

The Huntersville Fire Department said Jeffery Hager, 46, died on Sept. 10 after battling COVID-19 since Aug. 23.

His wife, Amee, tested positive on the same day and had been in the hospital, where the couple were admitted on Aug. 28. Her parents said in the Sept. 18 post that she had since died from the virus.

Last week, the fire department shared a heartfelt message about their co-worker and friend in a statement:

“Jeff’s smile and quick wit were contagious and he had many friends, both in the fire service and throughout our community. Jeff was an excellent firefighter and an even better friend, father and husband. His loss leaves a large void here in our department and in our community -- he will be surely be missed.”

The couple have four children, ages 14, 13, 7 and 6, who are currently being cared for by family members.

Jeff Hager was a member of the Charlotte Fire Department since 1997, where he worked full-time. He also worked part-time with Huntersville Fire since 2013.

Family and friends said Hager was passionate about his job and loved helping children learn about firefighting.

“When Jeff became involved in something, he was a bulldog, and I hate to see this happen to him and his family. This comes too close to home for me now,” Huntersville Commissioner Dan Boone said.

The department started a GofundMe to help the family with groceries, clothing and any other expenses for their children.

The memorial service for Jeff Hager will take place on Tuesday at Grace Covenant Church in Cornelius. Visitation will begin at 11:30 a.m. followed by the church service at 1 p.m. Following the service, a procession will escort Hager’s body to the cemetery.

Huntersville Fire asked to please keep family, friends and fire department members in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

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