BOSTON - The Boston Fire Department is mourning the loss of Firefighter Justin D. Poitras, who died in an off-duty motorcycle crash.
Poitras, 31, was involved in a motorcycle crash around 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, near the intersection of Clapp and Boston Streets in Dorchester. He was rushed to the hospital, where he died from his injuries on Wednesday.
"He was always a happy, carefree person, very caring, is the best way to describe him," said Paul Souza, Poitras' best friend. "It’s hard to believe, it’s really hard to believe."
Poitras joined the Boston Fire Department on October 31, 2016 and was assigned to Engine Company 42. Engine 42/Rescue 2 is located at 1870 Columbus Avenue in Roxbury.
"He was on his way back that day, from what his sister told me," said Souza. "The unthinkable happened. He got struck on his bike."
“Our thoughts and prayers remain with his family, friends and the members of the Boston Fire Department as we mourn his loss,” read a statement from the Boston Fire Department.
Prior to becoming a Boston Firefighter, Poitras served four years in the United States Marine Corp. He participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom and received an honorable discharge.
Poitras was a volunteer for the Boston Firefighters Burn Foundation and starred as Mr. January in the non-profit group’s 2018 charity calendar. He also volunteered at Shriners Hospitals.
A GoFundMe set up to raise money to help his family with funeral costs, described Poitras as, "a selfless hero who enjoyed fishing, going to the gym and his new obsession ice cream."
Poitras was also a fitness enthusiast. He graduated college with a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise & Health Science. He was also a member of CrossFit Southie.
"Helping people was part of who he was, and would be the first person there if you needed him. He always looked for the best in people and wanted the best things out of life for them. He took care of everyone else before himself, especially family and close friends," the GoFundMe added.
Poitras leaves behind his parents, Miriam and Mark. He was the brother of Lowell Firefighter Joshua Poitras.
Souza said his best friend was rushed to Boston Medical Center that afternoon and family and friends were by his bedside when he died.
"We all miss him and would do anything to have him back," said Souza.
Boston Police said Friday the cause of the crash is under investigation.
A viewing will be held on Wednesday, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and the funeral will be held on Thursday.
CrossFit Southie, the gym where Poitras used to train, is hosting a memorial workout for him next Saturday. More information can be found on their website.