Remembering Main Line Firefighter On 4th Anniversary Of Tragic Death

BALA CYNWYD, PA — Thursday marks the fourth anniversary of the tragic death of Lower Merion firefighter Thomas Royds.

Royds, a 48-year-old member of the Union Fire Association, died after being struck at about 3:23 a.m. on July 24, 2021, at mile marker 335 on Interstate 76 west.

Royds and fellow firefighters were called to the area at about 3:04 a.m. that day for an accident with injuries.

Crews were getting ready to leave the scene when at about 3:23 a.m., a vehicle struck Royds, two other firefighters, and a Pennsylvania State Police trooper.

Royds went into cardiac arrest at the scene and was taken to Paoli Hospital, where he later died.

The driver, Jacquelyn Walker of New Jersey, was charged in connection with the crash.

She was later sentenced to 12 to 24 years in prison on charges of third-degree murder, two counts of aggravated assault, and four counts of reckless endangerment.

"Today, on the 4-year anniversary of his passing, we pause to reflect, remember, and honor the legacy of our beloved brother, Captain Thomas Royds," the Union Fire Association said on social media Thursday. "Captain Royds was a beloved member of our fire company. He was also a member of Belmont Hills Fire Company and Clifton Heights Fire Company. He would do anything for anyone, and was always there to lend a helping hand. No words could ever do justice to the impact he had on our firehouse, our community, his fellow firefighters, and everyone who knew him. Not a day goes by we don’t remember his impact and honor his legacy through our continued service to our community."

"Rest easy buddy, thank you for watching over us," the Lower Merion Professional Firefighters Association IAFF Local 2844 said online.

"He was a selfless, loving, and compassionate man who died doing just that, helping others," the Belmont Hills Fire Company posted on social media. "Rest in Peace Captain Royds, we will never forget you."

"The loss of Tommy Royds is still felt to this day," the Lower Merion Fire Department shared on Facebook. "Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts today."

"Our hearts are with our brothers and sisters of Belmont Hills Fire Company, Union Fire Association, and Clifton Heights Fire Company today as we remember Captain Thomas Royds, who left us far too soon four years ago today," the Penn Wynne Fire Company posted online. "Keep watch over us Roydsy and keep us safe."

In the wake of his death, Interstate 76 from mile marker 334.5 to mile marker 335.5 in Lower Merion Township was named Firefighter Thomas Royds Memorial Highway.