Love like Ethan: Family, friends of late Ormond Beach firefighter pay tribute to his memory

Ethan Wilson, a firefighter and paramedic with the Ormond Beach Fire Department, dedicated his life to public service.

  • By Michele Meyers
  • | 1:15 p.m. February 14, 2023
  • Ormond Beach Observer
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The American flag fluttered in the wind atop two firetrucks against a backdrop of grey skies at the Flagler Avenue Boardwalk on Saturday, Feb. 11. Hundreds of people were gathered to honor, remember and celebrate the life of Ormond Beach firefighter Ethan Wilson, who died on Saturday, Feb. 4, following a surfing accident at New Smyrna Beach.

His brother-in-law, Bryon White, organized the ceremony that gave family and friends a chance to share stories about Wilson, as well as the opportunity to join a paddle-out immediately following the speeches.

“I wouldn’t have a beautiful wife and an amazing, adorable son if I hadn’t met Ethan,” White said. “It sounds like a crazy story — All the good things in my life that I have just because I met that guy, but through this I realize that my story really isn’t that unusual. So many of you have stories like that because Ethan had an outsized impact on everybody that he met. All of this is proof of that.” 

White met Wilson in a high school art class. Wilson was a freshman and White was a senior. Eventually, the upperclassman began to give him rides home and was introduced to his sister Megan. They have been together ever since.

My husband is the most perfect person I have ever met. So pure, kind, hardworking and always ready for a good time.” — Ashley Wilson, wife of Ethan Wilson

'He saved so many lives'

Wilson, a firefighter and paramedic with the Ormond Beach Fire Department, dedicated his life to public service. He was the vice president of the Ormond Beach Professional Firefighters Association and was previously employed by the Volusia County Sheriff’s Communication Center.

“He saved so many lives and gave comfort to so many while he was here,” said Ashley Wilson, his wife. “He gave the ultimate sacrifice and gave his body so others could continue with their families.”

Upon his death, Ethan Wilson wished to donate his organs to people in need. On Feb. 4, he did just that — AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach surgeons recovered his organs and staff were able to find matches immediately.

Firefighter and paramedic Ethan Wilson, 33, was found unresponsive in the surf at New Smyrna Beach on Wednesday, Feb. 1. Courtesy photo

Eight years ago, Ashley Wilson recalled how she arrived at The Garlic restaurant by scooter because she had a broken ankle. She was there to meet Ethan for their first date. She knew he was special after the staff moved her scooter and she couldn’t find it, and Ethan Wilson carried her to the bathroom. The couple had recently welcomed the birth of their son, Coast. 

“My husband is the most perfect person I have ever met,” Ashley Wilson said. “So pure, kind, hardworking and always ready for a good time.”

Live like Ethan

C.J. Coccia became friends with Ethan Wilson in middle school. Growing up with him gave Coccia first-hand knowledge of the caring qualities he possessed. He asked everyone to make a promise.

“Try to live a little bit more like Ethan,” he said. “Be stoked like Ethan was. Love people like Ethan did. Help people like Ethan did. Treat strangers, friends, family like Ethan did. He loved everyone. He always opened up his heart and opened up his arms. He was always there for you. I think the world would be so much better if we all followed the suit that Ethan did. Now it’s up to us to follow those guidelines and try to create a world that we know Ethan would be absolutely stoked for Coast to be growing up and living in.”

Following the stories about Wilson, the fire department then announced his passing over the radio and struck the bell eight times for his last alarm. Flowers were given out to those that were paddling out.

“We are going to close this out the traditional New Smyrna way that we honor our own,” White said. “It’s time to get wet. If you have a board, a wetsuit, an inflatable flamingo, whatever the case may be, we are going to head east and pay our respects to Ethan.”

 

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