A man of integrity, 95 years old, was killed in a car crash while on his way to meet friends.

In 1948, Peter Pulkkinen enlisted in the U.S. Air Force at the age of 95.

A man of integrity, 95 years old, was killed in a car crash while on his way to meet friends.
A man of integrity, 95 years old, was killed in a car crash while on his way to meet friends.

An early morning meetup with friends resulted in the death of a 95-year-old veteran in a car accident on his way there.

On Saturday, Peter Pulkkinen, a resident of South Carolina, died after his car collided with a Myrtle Beach Fire Department (MBFD) vehicle. The Horry County Coroner's Office confirmed his death in an email to Planet Chronicle Digital.

Before the crash, fire department officials posted on Facebook that they were responding to a structure fire call at around 5:46 a.m.

Pulkkinen received aid from MBFD personnel, but unfortunately passed away after being transported to a local hospital.

Split image of Pulkkinen with Myrtle Beach Fire Department vehicle
Peter Pulkkinen died in an accident involving the Myrtle Beach Fire Department. (Legacy.com / Myrtle Beach Fire Department via Facebook)

"The two Myrtle Beach Fire Department employees involved in the accident are unharmed, according to the MBFD's statement. The South Carolina Highway Patrol is currently investigating the incident."

"Our hearts go out to everyone involved."

Avis, Pulkkinen's niece, revealed to WMBF that the veteran was heading to McDonald's to meet his friends for a coffee, which was one of his usual routines.

"When we visited with him, he insisted on driving, and he was always so cautious and careful, looking both ways."

Undated photo of Pilkkinen
Peter Pulkkinen, 95, joined the U.S. Air Force in 1948 and served for 20 years. (Legacy.com)

Legacy.com posted an obituary for Pulkkinen, who was remembered as a "quiet man of integrity." He was born in 1929 and grew up on a farm in Maine before joining the U.S. Air Force in 1948.

Pulkkinen, after meeting his wife in England and bringing her to the U.S., served in the military for two decades before transitioning to the private sector.

"The obituary stated that he enjoyed taking walks, reading biographies and history books, visiting friends in Florida, and driving through the Kentucky countryside. His favorite weekly outing was a meal at the Golden Corral."

Myrtle Beach Fire Department vehicle
The Myrtle Beach Fire Department reported that its personnel rendered aid to Pulkkinen after the crash. (Myrtle Beach Fire Department via Facebook)

The Myrtle Beach Fire Department did not respond to Planet Chronicle Digital's request for additional comment.

by Andrea Vacchiano

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