Chicago Fire Department LT. Kevin Ward (Chicago Fire Media)

A Chicago firefighter has died, weeks after he was critically injured while battling a house fire near O’Hare Airport.

The Chicago Fire Department on Tuesday confirmed 59-year-old Lt. Kevin Ward has died at the Loyola University Medical Center.

“He was surrounded by family as he made his transition,” the fire department said in a statement. “He will be escorted from LMC to the medical examiner's office this morning.”

Ward joined the CFD in 1996. He was injured in a house fire in the 8300 block of West Balmoral on Aug. 11. The CFD called for a “mayday” at that location after three firefighters were injured and required hospitalization.

Ward was initially listed in critical condition, while the other two firefighters were in fair condition. He was taken to Loyola where he was listed in serious condition.

“On behalf of the City of Chicago, I offer my sincerest condolences on the passing of Chicago Fire Department Lieutenant Kevin Ward,” Mayor Brandon Johnson said in a statement. “I pray for the peace of his family, friends and loved ones during this most difficult time.”

Ward is at least the third CFD firefighter to die in the line of duty this year. Lt. Jan Tchoryk, 55, died following a fire at 1212 North Lake Shore Drive in early April, one day after 49-year-old Jermaine Pelt died while battling a fire at a home near 120th and Wallace streets.

Contact Matt Masterson: @ByMattMasterson | [email protected] | (773) 509-5431