Fire Marshal, 55, Dies After Fitness Skills Test

A 55-year-old South Davis Metro Fire Agency marshal has died two days after participating in a firefighting fitness skills test.

Authorities say Steve Cox was training Friday in Bountiful when he became disoriented and short of breath.

He was taken to the hospital, where his condition worsened and organs began to shut down. He died about 3 p.m. Sunday.

A cause of death has not yet been determined.

Cox worked in the agency for 22 years. He began his career as a part-time firefighter in 1989, a full-time firefighter in 1994 and was promoted to fire marshal in 2000.

Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Bassett says this is South Metro’s first death in the line of duty.

Cox is survived by his wife and children. A funeral is set for Thursday.