Huntington, West Virginia – August 2025 – The tight-knit Huntington community is in mourning following the sudden and tragic death of Firefighter Mason Kraese, a devoted and compassionate member of the Huntington Manor Fire Department, who was killed in an ATV accident. At just 27, Kraese leaves behind a grieving family, colleagues, and friends who remember him as selfless, kind-hearted, and unwaveringly dedicated in both his profession and personal life.

Born to Phil and Mary Beth Kraese, Mason was the beloved eldest son who grew up in Huntington embodying empathy and responsibility. His infectious smile, calming presence, and remarkable ability to bring warmth, laughter, and reassurance even in difficult moments left a mark on all who knew him.

As news of his passing rippled through the community, tributes poured in—from his firehouse brothers and sisters to neighbors whose lives he had brightened with his steady support and good humor. In uniform or not, Mason’s courage, dependability, and heart were clear to everyone around him.

A Community United in Grief

The suddenness of this loss is devastating. A local station official shared that Mason’s off-duty accident deeply affected the department’s tight-knit family, noting, “Mason wasn’t just a firefighter—he was the kind of man who made everyone feel safer.” The outpouring of grief underlines how much he was cherished, both in and out of uniform.

Honoring a Life of Service

Mason Kraese’s memory symbolizes bravery, kindness, and unshakeable dedication to others. Though the details of the ATV accident and service arrangements remain private at this time, his legacy as a loving son, steadfast friend, and honorable firefighter persists in the many lives he touched.