BELLAIRE -- UPDATE: More details are just being released by the Antrim County Sheriff in regards to the death of an Antrim County man.
Joseph Baker II, 32, of Bellaire, was killed Friday around 1:00 PM. The Antrim County Sheriff, Dan Bean says Baker's body was found after crews put out a truck fire.
It was origionally reported that Baker was killed in a car accident.
Sheriff Bean says the State Fire Marshall is investigating the death. Results of an autopsy will also help in the investigation.
Baker just returned last year from his second tour of duty in Iraq. The community is mourning the loss and remembering Baker for his service as a veteran, firefighter, and EMT.
“He’ll be missed dearly. He was such a kind person. I can’t imagine this not being felt throughout the community,” said Baker’s friend Randy McFarland.
Baker was a combat engineer for the U.S. Army. He was also a firefighter and EMT with the Bellaire Fire Department and the South Torch Lake Fire Department.
“Joe just would do anything for anybody. It is just the person he was. He didn’t think twice about it,” said Baker’s friend Terry Lanter.
Funeral services with military honors will be held Friday, January 28. The service will begin at 11:00 a.m. at St. Luke Catholic Church in Bellaire. Visitation will take place Thursday from 5-8:00 p.m. at the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.
The family is asking memorial donations to be directed to the Bellaire Fire Department or the South Torch Lake Fire Department. You can sign an online guestbook and get more information by clicking on THIS LINK.
7 & 4 News featured Baker in a story when the Alden community welcomed him home from war. The soldier took part in the Memorial Day parade. You can read the story by clicking on the link below.
