Updated: Memorial Info: HFD cadet/Former Oak Hill Firefighter dies after collapsing

  The Oak Hill Fire Department lost their brother Firefighter Cohnway Johnson on May 4 at the young age of 26. The sudden death of Johnson came just 5 days after he collapsed in Houston during training. The loss of a seemingly healthy man has come as a shock to all of those who knew him.

Johnson dedicated three years of service to the local Oak Hill Fire Department and over the years formed many bonds with his fellow firefighters. Recently he submitted his resignation to the fire department which allowed him to begin training for the Houston Fire Department. According to Milissa Warren, the public information officer with the Oak Hill FD, Cohnway was on vacation when he began his training in Houston.

On the morning of April 29, the HFD was holding a cadet training session which included a four mile run. Cohnway completed the race before all of the other cadets when he suddenly collapsed. The cadet was in rushed to Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston in critical condition. He was stabilized within ICU and was able to accept visitors, including some close friends from the Oak Hill Fire Department. The fire department described Johnson’s behavior as typical with him jokingly interacting with others and holding vibrant conversations. His condition was improving when his health took a turn for the worst last Monday. Cohnway Johnson passed away in Memorial Hermann Hospital on the evening of Monday, May 4. The cause of Johnson’s death is still unknown.

Cohnway Johnson was able to accomplish many things during his 26 years including touching the lives of friends family and colleagues. Described as a great friend and firefighter, Cohnway Johnson will be honored by those closest to him on Saturday evening in Austin (more details below). His brothers at the Oak Hill Fire Department hold fond memories of a man who could always make everyone laugh and was one of the most hard-working men in the Department. Joining the Department in 2006, Cohnway took every opportunity to grow professionally, achieving certifications through the Texas Commission on Fire Protection for Intermediate Fire Fighter, Fire Officer I, Fire Instructor I, Haz-Mat Tech, and Driver Operator.

The memorial service will take place Saturday, May 09, 2009. Services will begin at 4:00 p.m. at Cook Walden Funeral Home located at 14501 North IH-35. The family of Cohnway Johnson will receive friends and visitors at Travis County ESD #2 – Pflugerville Fire Department Education Building, 2nd floor located at 203-B East Pecan Street in Pflugerville immediately following the funeral.

KXAN

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After three years as a beloved firefighter with the Oak Hill Fire Department, Cohnway Johnson, 26, resigned in April to begin work with the Houston Fire Department, an Oak Hill Fire Department spokeswoman said. But on April 29, Johnson collapsed during a four-mile training race and died at Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston after five days in the intensive care unit, Oak Hill Fire Department spokeswoman Milissa Warren said.

Johnson, of Rockdale, Texas, graduated from Pflugerville High School and attended Stephen F. Austin University.

His funeral will be held today at the Cook-Walden Funeral home, at 14501 North Interstate 35, at 4 p.m. His family will receive friends and visitors after the funeral at Travis County ESD #2 – Pflugerville Fire Department Education Building, at 203-B East Pecan Street in Pflugerville immediately following the funeral.
By Joshunda Sanders : AA Statesman
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The Houston Fire Department is mourning another loss. This time a cadet has died. After nearly a week of hospitalization, the fire department say one of its cadets passed away Tuesday morning at Memorial Hermann Hospital. HFD says the cadet collapsed last Wednesday during a morning jog at its training academy. He was taken to the hospital in critical condition.

Although he seemed to be improving, department officials say his condition took a turn for the worse on Monday. The medical examiner’s officer will conduct an autopsy.

Officials are investigations into exactly what happened. The department has not released the name of the cadet.
From KHOU News, Houston
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HFD cadet dies week after collapsing while training
A 26-year-old Houston Fire Department cadet died early Tuesday morning apparently of natural causes after collapsing last week during routine physical training.

Conway M. Johnson had just completed an early morning jog on April 29 when he collapsed. He was taken to Hermann Memorial Hospital in critical condition and remained hospitalized for the last week. Johnson showed signs of improvement before worsening Monday, fire officials said.

An autopsy will be performed by the Harris County Medical Examiner’s office.
From The Houston Chronicle
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