Fort Myers family files legal notice 2 years after fire recruit's heat-related death

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK)— The family of a Fort Myers Fire Department applicant who died nearly two years ago has filed a notice of intent exclusively obtained by WINK News.

Nathaniel Wilcox, 22, collapsed after a pre-employment physical assessment conducted outdoors on July 9, 2024. WINK News reporter Miyoshi Price was at the testing site earlier that day and spoke with recruits who appeared excited and in good spirits.

The family alleges Wilcox later died from complications related to heat illness. The notice cites weather data showing temperatures reached 94 degrees with a heat index between 105 and 107 degrees that afternoon. The family also alleges there was no written heat safety protocol in place at the testing site.

The family wants the city and department to adopt what they call the "Nathaniel Wilcox Foundation Heat Safety Protocol." The changes they ask for would include environmental heat monitoring, medical screening for candidates, on-site medical oversight and rapid-cooling equipment, clear stop-work authority and annual training to recognize and treat heat illness.

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The family also requested mandatory training for personnel and a public written acknowledgment of the department's commitment to those changes.

WINK News reached out to both the city of Fort Myers and the Fort Myers Fire Department for comment. The city sent WINK News this statement: "The City of Fort Myers recently received correspondence from the family's attorney. It's currently under review. As you know, we can't comment on any pending or active litigation."

No lawsuit has been filed at this time. The family's attorney confirmed the city received the notice of intent. Under Florida law, a notice of intent is a required step before a lawsuit against a government entity can proceed.

WINK News is scheduled to interview Wilcox's mother and the family's attorney Tuesday.