City Firefighter/Paramedic Takes Own Life

Press Release

Submitted by James T. Hurley, Chief

May 4, 2016 9:1 p.m.

Chett Lyncker

The Fernandina Beach Police Department responded to the residence of a City Firefighter/Paramedic and found the six year veteran deceased inside his apartment.  Chett Lyncker, 34 years of age, was found inside the secured apartment and had died from a single, self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Lyncker was being summoned for the purpose of continuing administrative procedures related to ongoing investigations and from witness accounts of possible domestic violence.  Lyncker’s girlfriend had recanted statements recently, but last night had a neighbor call police because she was afraid for her safety after Lyncker reportedly pushed her.  When police arrived at the scene she gave them an account of an incident which reportedly occurred in St. Augustine over the weekend.  Early this morning, Detectives in St. Augustine were actively working on an arrest warrant for Aggravated Domestic Violence when notified of Lyncker’s death.

A small amount of marijuana was found in clear view when officers responded to the residence last night.  Both Lyncker and his girlfriend denied possession of the marijuana and paraphernalia, but as both had constructive possession they were both charged and issued a Notice to Appear citation.  The girlfriend was treated at Baptist Nassau and then taken to a safe location.

A close neighbor acknowledged hearing a single gunshot at 1:10 AM this morning, but did not call police because she was unsure if the sound was actually a gunshot.

The Medical Examiner’s Office will continue their investigation, along with Fernandina Beach Police Department personnel.