Volunteer firefighter killed in motorcycle crash

CONROE, Texas -- A Montgomery County volunteer firefighter was killed in a motorcycle accident Wednesday evening. Nathan Raulz, 18, of Conroe was riding his motorcycle westbound on Stidham Road when he went to pass a SUV. The SUV, driven by Rita Cabello, 36, made a left turn when Raulz hit the back end. Raulz was pronounced dead on the scene from the accident that the Texas Department of Public Safety said happened around 5 p.m.

Raulz graduated last weekend from Conroe High School and served with the Central Montgomery County Fire-Rescue Station 171 (formerly River Plantation Fire Department) for the past three years.

The Central Montgomery County Fire-Rescue Station 171's Facebook page pays tribute to Raulz with his picture and the following statement:

"Today our department suffered a great loss. Firefighter Nathan Raulz was killed in an automobile accident on Stidham Road. This young man won our hearts almost 3 years ago when he joined our department as a junior firefighter. Immediately he stood out as a stellar newcomer, and grew to an amazing young man and firefighter. The dedication and promise he showed earned him the Junior Firefighter of The Year two years in a row. We will truly miss our "Ragoo"! We would like to send our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Nathan. You will be in our thoughts and prayers."

Thoughts and prayers from the community are also shared on the page.

No charges are pending against Cabello.