JCC Firefighter Dies in Motorcycle Crash

By WYDaily Staff Monday, April 12, 2010

Firefighter Christopher Karban (Photo courtesy James City County Fire Department)

James City County police are investigating a fatal motorcycle accident Sunday night that killed a 27-year-old county firefighter.

Christopher Douglas Karban, a James City firefighter and medic, was on a motorcycle traveling west on Route 199 around 10:30 p.m. when he lost control of the motorcycle at the Monticello overpass, said Maj. Steve Rubino of James City Police Department. The motorcycle left the paved surface of the road and struck a guardrail. Karban, who was wearing a helmet, was thrown from his motorcycle. He was pronounced dead at the scene, Rubino said.

Karban was traveling alone on the motorcycle, Rubino said. No other vehicles were involved in the crash.

Speed is believed to be a factor, Rubino said. Police are investigating other circumstances, including whether alcohol was a factor.

Karban joined the department in October 2005, and completed his initial firefighting training in the spring of 2006.

Deputy Fire Chief Bob Ryalls said Karban made many contributions to the department in a short time, using his special interest in photography and graphic design to serve as its unofficial photographer at special events. Karban also was instrumental in putting together an internal Web site for the department.

"He will be missed," said Ryalls, noting the fire service is like a family, with members spending a third of their time together. "He was a fine young man who will be remembered for the contributions he made, and the many contributions he hadn't made yet."

Karban graduated from Kentucky's Bowling Green State University in December 2004, earning a bachelor of science in visual communication. He also worked as a graphic designer while attending college.

In addition to his regular shift assignment, Karban served on hte department's recruitment and retention team.

Funeral arrangements are pending the arrival of family members from out of town..