Siheung: A firefighter who had been suffering from depression since responding to the 2022 deadly crowd crush in Itaewon was found dead Wednesday, officials reported. The 30-year-old's body was discovered under a bridge near an expressway in Siheung, just southwest of Seoul, by a police officer at approximately 12:30 p.m. The firefighter had been missing since August 10.

According to Yonhap News Agency, police revealed that the firefighter was last seen early on the morning of his disappearance, passing through a tollbooth in his vehicle. No evidence of foul play was found, leading authorities to suspect he died after heading toward the Siheung area. An investigation is underway to determine the precise circumstances surrounding his death.

The firefighter had been receiving treatment for depression following his involvement in the emergency response to the crowd crush in Itaewon's nightlife district during Halloween weekend in 2022, which resulted in 159 fatalities. He reportedly left a note apologizing to his family and friends prior to his disappearance.

Search efforts over the past 11 days were extensive, with rescue officials deploying 330 personnel in an attempt to locate the missing firefighter. In response to the tragedy, President Lee Jae Myung conveyed his condolences and emphasized the government's commitment to supporting victims, families, and rescue workers in overcoming trauma from such disasters.

President Lee highlighted the need for an improved social safety net and psychological support system to address national and collective traumas. "Our society needs to share the pain, recognize our collective responsibility with gravity, and join forces for recovery," he stated in a Facebook post.