Eau Claire Firefighter Dies After On-Duty Illness

Firefighter/EMT Bryce Jungbluth, 27, of the Eau Claire Fire Department, died on July 31, 2026, following a sudden onset of hydrocephalus. His death marks the 49th firefighter fatality reported in 2026.

Jungbluth first reported feeling unwell with a headache during his shift on July 23, 2026. He completed this shift and subsequently worked two additional 24-hour shifts on July 24 and 25, responding to multiple emergencies, including a structure fire, while continuing to experience symptoms.

On the morning of July 26, after completing his third shift, Jungbluth went to a hospital where he was diagnosed with hydrocephalus. He had served the department for four years as a career firefighter/EMT.