MADISON Co. (May 3, 2015) – Madison County firefighters morn the loss of one of their own as word started to spread Sunday morning that a Madison County firefighter lost his life while on a fire call. MCFD Chief Eric Turner confirmed the incident with the following statement: Line of Duty Firefighter Death, It is with deep regret that we announce the line of duty death of Madison County Firefighter Chris Blankenship. Around 2:00 Sunday morning Madison County Fire Department responded to a call of a vehicle fire as a result of an accident.  The accident occurred at Highway 18 & Medon-Malesus Road. Blankenship along with other Madison County firefighters responded including volunteers from MCFD Station #2. During the response of extinguishing the burning vehicle a tree fell and pinned Blankenship to the ground. According to Chief Turner, firefighters on the scene quickly removed Chris from underneath the tree and administered first aid. Firefighter Blankenship was transported to Jackson Madison County General Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Firefighter Chris Blankenship had been a member of Madison County Fire Department for 10 years. He served as a firefighter at Station #2 located on Riverside Drive. Chris leaves behind a wife and two children.  Madison County Fire Department Don Friddle said they are working to help the family of Chris Blankenship, Bankenship’s wife Ashley Chism Blankenship and their two children, Baily and Chase. Funeral arrangements are pending. A fund has been established to help the family with immediate expenses. Resource Federal Credit Union. 263 N Highland Jackson Tn 38301 or 525 Old Hickory Blvd Jackson Tn 38305. Checks can be made payable to Resource Federal or to Ashley Blankenship. Checks can be mailed to brought into either location. Turner said he lost a close friend and fire department family member in Blankenship. We ask the public for special prayers for the Blankenship family and the entire Madison County Fire Department. said Turner