Firefighter, 23, collapses and dies in Glenwood fire hall

A 23-year-old firefighter went to exercise at his central Minnesota fire hall, collapsed and died, authorities said Tuesday.

Glenwood firefighter Matthew Chan died Monday evening, said Police Chief Dale Danter.

While a cause of death has yet to be determined, Danter said that there is "nothing criminal in nature or suspicious" about Chan's death and there were no signs of trauma suggesting an accident of some sort.

Chan, who was not on duty at the time, "came to the fire hall to use the weight-room facilities" Danter said.

Police were called to the building at about 6:45 p.m. after Chan was found unresponsive and not breathing, Danter said.

Fire, police and medical personnel began efforts to revive him, the chief said. Chan was taken to Glacier Ridge Hospital and pronounced dead there.

Chan's father, Ken Chan, was a longtime member of the Fire Department before retiring.

Matthew Chan was part of "a fire department family," Danter said. "He grew up around all the old-timers."

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482