Excerpts from cbs58.com:

The Naperville Fire Department is mourning the loss of one of their members following a crash that happened around 3:22 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 30, in southeast Wisconsin.

Authorities say 27-year-old Alexander Gard was traveling westbound on I-794 at a high rate of speed when he took the exit ramp to Jackson and Van Buren Streets. Officials say Gard was not able to maneuver the curve and he left the roadway, hitting a pillar to the overpass. 

The mid-size SUV Gard was driving became fully engulfed in flames and he was pinned inside the vehicle. 

“It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that the Naperville Fire Department reports the off duty passing of one of our own,” the Naperville Fire Department said. “Firefighter Paramedic Alexander Gard was a two-year member of the Naperville Fire Department, served the residents of Naperville out of our Fire Station 2, and was respected by all.”

Thursday, Nov. 4, The Milwaukee Fire Department Honor Guard escorted Gard’s body back to Naperville.