Firefighter Timothy Klein, 31, resident Carlos Richards, 21, killed in Brooklyn house fire
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NEW YORK -- New York City has lost a hero and the family of a Brooklyn man is grieving the loss of their loved one in a massive house fire.
FDNY firefighter Timothy Klein, 31, and resident Carlos Richards, 21, died and at least eight other firefighters were hurt in the massive blaze at a two-family semi-attached home on Avenue N off East 108th Street on Sunday.
"It gives us great pain and sorrow to announce that New York City has lost one of its bravest," Mayor Eric Adams said, delivering the heartbreaking news.
Klein, a six-year veteran of the force, worked out of Ladder 170. Richards, who has autism, was previously unaccounted for, CBS2's Andrea Grymes reported.
Richards' older brother confirmed his death to CBS2's John Dias.
Video shows flames and heavy black smoke consumed the sky as the out-of-control fire swallowed the home.
"It was mayhem," said neighbor Nick Sanchez, who took the video.
Sanchez tried to help moments after the fire started, but the elements were too dangerous.
"We proceeded to run to the door, bang on, try to see if anybody's there. But by that time, the flames were coming out of the window. It was really, really hot," Sanchez said.
The fire started just after 1:30 p.m. and quickly grew to three alarms, with more than 100 firefighters responding.
"All of a sudden, boof! On the window and then the smoke all came out," neighbor Angela Fobe said.
FDNY officials said Klein was inside the home when the conditions worsened. The commander ordered all firefighters out, but then a ceiling partially collapsed.
"Everything seemed to be going routine, when suddenly the entire second floor became engulfed in flames," FDNY Acting Chief of Department John Hodgens said. "Two of the members that were with him, three of them were able to escape, jumping out windows and getting down ladders out of other areas of the building. Timothy was unable to escape."
Witnesses said FDNY members tried to save Klein at the scene before he was rushed to the hospital.
"I saw, they was pumping his chest and everything. It was bad. It was horrible. It was horrible," neighbor Dion Smith said. "For the firefighter that died, you know, respect to his family and everybody else. It's just horrible."
"Really, I was in tears because I just buried my brother Saturday and I know how it feels to lose a family member," said neighbor Scherer Victor.
Officials said FDNY members and the staff at Brookdale Hospital valiantly tried to save Klein, but could not.
"Our hearts are with the Klein family, who are experiencing the worst day of their lives, and we asked they be in your prayers," Acting FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh said.
The community was in disbelief over the loss of a firefighter and Richards, their neighbor.
"That young man, I always see him with his mom. So I feel terrible," Lotoya Murrel said.
"Something as tragic as this, where people lose their lives, it's not easy to deal with," Charmaine Evans said.
Richards was alone and trapped inside when the fire started, his family told CBS2.
Hillary Hopkin held her son a little tighter as they walked by the home's charred remains to pay their respects, CBS2's Aundrea Cline-Thomas reported.
"For me, it has me thinking about what I have to put in place in the event this happens in our home, God forbid," Hopkin said. "Or our neighborhood, what to do, because my son who is 16 is also autistic."
Monday morning, investigators used drones to survey the damage that included a collapsed roof.
Inspectors from the Department of Buildings ordered the fire-ravaged home to be demolished and issued vacate orders to neighbors.
The Red Cross is helping displaced families.
"Just coming and seeing the sheer devastation, it just breaks my heart," Hopkin said. "It's just unfathomable."
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.
High school coach remembers Klein as "gritty" student-athlete
Before becoming a firefighter, Klein was a Molloy High School student-athlete known for his drive.
"He was a pleasure to have coached. He was one of those tough, gritty, Rockaway kids," said Edward Shannon, dean of students at Archbishop Molloy High School.
Shannon was Klein's junior varsity basketball coach. Klein was undersized, but made up for it with his hard work and dedication, Shannon told CBS2's Kevin Rincon.
1st grade teacher remembers Timothy Klein
"He was a bundle of energy," Suellen Foti told CBS2's Elijah Westbrook.
Foti was Klein's first grade teacher at Saint Francis de Sales Academy in Belle Harbor, Queens. She gave us insight into the man behind the uniform -- the boy before the heroic firefighter many remember him as.
"He was just a great, happy kid, who did very well in school. He wanted to please everybody, and he was just a joy to have," she said.
Funeral arrangements for Firefighter Timothy Klein
The FDNY announced details for the wake and funeral for Firefighter Timothy Klein.
The wake will held Thursday, April 28 at McManus Funeral Home at 4601 Avenue N in Brooklyn from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The funeral will be at Church of St. Francis,129-16 Rockaway Beach Boulevard in Belle Harbor, at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 29.
The ceremony will be streamed live on CBS News New York.
"He was the guy you wanted to be working with"
The city is mourning one of New York's Bravest.
Firefighter Timothy Klein was killed while battling a house fire in Brooklyn on Sunday afternoon.
He was honored on Monday at his firehouse, CBS2's Jenna DeAngelis reported.
People stopped by to pay their respects and to take in a sight no one wants to see -- purple and black bunting -- a reminder of the tragic loss.
A community in mourning brought love in the form of food and flowers to the firehouse, which served as a second home to Klein.
"We're all heartbroken. Timmy was a big part of the house. This is a family," FDNY Capt. Mark Schweighardt said.
Earlier, Klein's FDNY brothers and sisters gathered with his family at Engine 257/Ladder 170 for a somber ceremony featuring draped bunting, a symbol of the immeasurable loss.
"He was the guy you wanted to be working with," Schweighardt said.
Klein, a six-year veteran of the department, came from a family of firefighters, including his cousin.
"I think if you look at all the faces behind me you can tell what a major loss Timmy is to Canarsie's Bravest," said Keith Klein, of Ladder 174.
Timothy Klein, 31, was responding to a fire at a home at Avenue N and East 108th Street on Sunday afternoon, when conditions deteriorated and he got caught in a collapse.
Another man, 21-year-old Carlos Richards, who is autistic, was alone and trapped inside when the fire started, according to family.
Nick Sanchez tried to help.
"Proceeded to run to the door, banged on it, tried to see if anybody was there, but by that time the flames were coming out of the windows," Sanchez said.
"Carlos was just the brightest light in the room," said sister Chloe Richards. "He was truly special and I don't want him to be viewed as just a casualty of a fire or a body found in a fire. He was a person and he did so much and he brought us so much joy."
She said she appreciates all those who tried to help him, especially the firefighters, and sent condolences to those who knew and loved Firefighter Timothy Klein. Chloe Richards also said a GoFundMe page has been set up for her family.
Other families were displaced by the destruction, including the Foyes.
"We have no home. We have no clothes. Only thing we have is our lives," one member said.
Which they are grateful for, sending condolences to their neighbor and the family of Timothy Klein.
This is the second line-of-duty death at Engine 257/Ladder 170 in three years. It said goodbye to Firefighter Steven Pollard in 2019. Timothy Klein delivered a eulogy.
And tragically, Monday, the same sentiments were shared for him. His FDNY family saluted his body in a moving procession from the medical examiners office to a funeral home in marine park, part of the painful process of saying goodbye.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been shared. Timothy Klein is survived by his parents and three sisters.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Timothy Klein remembered as beloved member of several communities
The men and women of Engine 257/Ladder 170 have endured loss before.
But the death of Firefighter Timothy Klein hurts just the same.
Earlier Monday, as the purple bunting was placed along the windows, you could see the heartbreak on the faces of so many who came here to remember Klein, CBS2's Kevin Rincon reported.
"It's a shot to the gut," Capt. Mark Schweighardt said.
Members of Engine 257/Ladder 170 were joined by firefighters from all over New York as they paid tribute to the fallen hero. Ceremonial purple and black bunting now adorns the firehouse as a reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made by the 31-year-old, six-year veteran of the FDNY.
"He was a big part of this house. Guys gravitated to him. And we're going to miss him," Schweighardt said.
Family members were greeted by FDNY leadership inside. Klein's father is a retired FDNY firefighter. Others in the family have also served, including Klein's cousin, who is currently a firefighter at Ladder 174, which is also in Brooklyn.
"It's quite a loss, inside and outside of the firehouse. I think if you look at the all of the faces behind me you can tell what a major loss Timmy is to Canarsie's bravest," Keith Klein said.
As a firefighter himself, Keith Klein said they all understand the risks associated with the job, but added this tragedy was beyond anyone's control.
"We didn't lose him to a lack of training, or preparedness, or fitness. Timmy was top notch. Sometimes you just lose members due to the circumstances of the operation. He just didn't make it home yesterday," Keith Klein said.
Timothy Klein was beloved, not only in Canarsie, but back home in Queens. He grew up in Rockaway Beach, attended Molloy High School in Briarwood. His three sisters all graduated from there. The principal at Molloy told CBS2 the Klein family is what many aspire to be -- great people, full of faith.
Rincon saw candles brought to the firehouse. Other tributes are expected, as this community, and many throughout the city, now mourn the death of Timothy Klein.
FDNY hangs bunting outside firehouse
Answer the Call announces support for Timothy Klein's family
Answer the Call, the New York Police and Fire Widows' and Children's Benefit Fund, announced it is providing $50,000 to Firefighter Timothy Klein's parents.
In a statement, Board Chair of Answer the Call Stephen Dannhauser said:
Firefighter Klein died a true hero. He followed in his father's footsteps by joining the FDNY six years ago and died far too young, at just 31 years old, while protecting our city. Our organization vows to never forget his sacrifice and the sacrifices all first responders make each and every day.
Click here to learn more about Answer the Call.
FDNY bunting ceremony set for this afternoon
The FDNY says a bunting ceremony will be held in honor of Firefighter Klein later this afternoon.
CBS2's Elijah Westbrook spent the morning outside Ladder 170, where Klein worked for more than half a decade, and his loss is being felt across the department.
It's a sight any firefighter will most likely say makes them sad to see hanging outside their station -- black and purple bunting sitting above the garage in observance of one of their own who died in the line of duty.
Preparations are underway for a bunting ceremony at Ladder 170. Klein spent most of his six years in the department at the stationhouse.
"It's a very, very sad day for the fire department today. As was stated, this is the second line-of-duty death at that particular firehouse in the last three years," FDNY Acting Chief of Department John Hodgens said Sunday.
Ladder 170 has dealt with tragedy before. They lost Firefighter Steven Pollard in 2019. Klein was among those who delivered a eulogy for Pollard, who was not only a fellow firefighter but a friend.
Hundreds of firefighters stood for hours Sunday night at Brookdale Hospital, hoping for the best. They lined the surrounding streets for a procession and watched as Klein's body was brought out.
The FDNY said Klein is now the second firefighter to lose their life in the line of duty this year.
New York City in mourning
New York City is mourning the loss of a hero this morning. One of New York's bravest died Sunday in the line of duty.
Timothy Klein was one of more than 100 firefighters called to the scene in Canarsie, Brooklyn. He was fatally injured when the second floor of the home became engulfed in flames, bringing down the ceiling.
Klein was taken to Brookdale Hospital but could not be saved. Firefighters and first responders lined the streets last night as his body left the hospital and arrived at the medical examiner's office.
CBS2's John Dias has the latest on the fire that claimed his life.
Tributes pour in
Hundreds of firefighters and NYPD officers lined the streets surrounding Brookdale Hospital for a procession Sunday night.
They watched as the body of firefighter Klein was brought out. Many stood for hours, hoping for the best.
CBS2's Eiljah Westbrook reports from the hospital with more on the devastating loss.
Sen. Schumer, Gov. Hochul react to death of Firefighter Klein
Hundreds of firefighters and NYPD officers lined the streets surrounding Brookdale Hospital for a procession on Sunday night.
They watched in attention with hearts full of emotion as the body of Firefighter Timothy Klein was brought out.
Many in attendance stood for hours, hoping for the best, CBS2's Kevin Rincon reported.
Acting FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh said the structural integrity of the home the firefighters were called to played a role in the tragedy.
"As they were doing so there was a partial collapse of the ceiling. Four members were caught in that collapse. Three made it out and are stable in local hospitals at this time, but, unfortunately, despite the vliant efforts of our members on the scene and the staff here at Brookdale Hospital, one firefighter, Timothy Klein, Ladder 170, did not make it out of that collapse," Kavanagh said.
Ladder 170 has dealt with tragedy before. In 2019, it lost Firefighter Steven Pollard.
"It's a very, very sad day for the fire department today. As was stated, this is the second line of duty death at that particular firehouse in the last three years," an FDNY official said.
Klein was among those who delivered a eulogy for pollard, who was not only a fellow firefighter, but a friend.
Reflecting on the loss of Klein, Sen. Chuck Schumer called him, "A hero who bravely served the people of New York."
Gov. Kathy Hochul sent her prayers to the family on the extraordinarily difficult day, and said she is hoping for a swift recovery for the other firefighters who were injured.
NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell said Klein's ultimate sacrifice while battling a three-alarm fire epitomizes what it means to be one of New York's Bravest.
Klein served the city, as did his father, who is a retired FDNY firefighter.
Rincon was told service runs deep in the family and Klein's death will truly be felt across the department.
FDNY: Body of 1 person found in home
The FDNY said Sunday night one person was found deceased and has been recovered from the remnants of the Canarsie fire.
The identification is pending the medical examiner's investigation.
FDNY: Total of 9 firefighters transported to area hospitals
The FDNY provided an update on the firefighters injured in Sunday's fire in Canarsie.
It said one firefighter was transported to Jamaica Hospital and one to Cornell.
Two transported to Kings County and two others to Staten Island North.
Three were transported to Brookdale, including fallen Firefighter Timothy Klein.
There was no immediate word on any of their conditions.
Police: 21-year-old man is the person unaccounted for in Canarsie Fire
Police say a 21-year-old man with autism is the unaccounted for individual in Sunday's fire in Canarsie.
He is a resident.
Police are still searching for him.
Ladder 170 no stranger to tragedy
As mentioned, at least eight firefighters were rushed to area hospitals.
At Brookdale, six-year veteran Timothy Klein was unfortunately pronounced dead after doing his part to try and put out the flames back at the scene, CBS2's Kevin Rincon reported.
The 31-year-old comes from a long line of service. His father was a firefighter. Several family members are still serving as first responders.
Klein was on the second floor at the time, part of the nozzle team, when things took a turn, officials said.
"It's a very, very sad day for the fire department today. As was stated, this is the second line of duty death at that particular firehouse in the last three years," an official said.
First responders on the scene tried their best to care for Klein. He was quickly rushed to Brookdale. Acting FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh said the structural integrity of the home is what played a big role in the tragedy.
"As they were doing so there was a partial collapse of the ceiling. Four members were caught in that collapse. Three made it out and are stable in local hospitals at this time, but, unfortunately, despite the valiant efforts of our members on the scene and the staff here at Brookdale Hospital, one firefighter, Timothy Klein, Ladder 170, did not make it out of that collapse," Kavanagh said.
Ladder 170 is the same place where fallen Firefighter Steven Pollard worked. He died in 2019. Klein was among those who delivered a eulogy for him at his funeral.
The latest on the investigation into Firefighter Klein's death
One person still unaccounted for and officials said there was very heavy fire conditions when they arrived on Sunday afternoon.
"It gives us great pain and sorrow to announce that New York City has lost one of its bravest," Mayor Eric Adams said.
Adams said 31-year-old Firefighter Timothy Klein was killed while fighting a house fire in Canarsie. Neighbors said the smoke quickly engulfed the sky in the residential neighborhood, CBS2's Andrea Grymes reported.
"All of a sudden boof! on the window and then the smoke all came out," Angela Fobe said.
"I see very bad, you know. The flames coming up, you know," Henricles Paul added.
It started just after 1:30 p.m. in a two-family house at 10826 Avenue N off East 108th Street and quickly grew to three alarms, with more than 100 firefighters responding.
Fire officials said Klein was inside when conditions deteriorated, and the commander ordered all firefighters out.
"Everything seemed to be going routine when suddenly the entire second floor became engulfed in flames. Two of the members that were with him, three of them, were able to escape, jumping out windows and getting out ladders. Timothy was unable to escape," an FDNY official said.
Five firefighters have non-life threatening injuries and one civilian was treated at the scene. Officials said FDNY members and the staff at Brookdale Hospital valiantly tried to save Klein, but could not.
"Our hearts are with the Klein family, who are experiencing the worst day of their lives and we asked they be in your prayers," Acting FDNY Commissioner Laura Kavanagh said.
There was no immediate word on how the fire started.
Flags lowered to half-staff in New York City
Union leaders offer words about fallen Firefighter Timothy Klein
Heads of various fire unions released statements about the passing of Timothy Klein.
Andrew Ansbro, president of the FDNY-Firefighters Association, said, "The tragic loss of Firefighter Klein brings sorrow to the city of New York, its 8 million residents, and every member of the FDNY Family. Firefighter Klein is a hero to this city, this country, and his fellow firefighters, and will be eternally remembered for making the ultimate sacrifice so that others may live. There are no words that aptly describe the loss of a fellow Firefighter in your company and this department, and the Klein family is now living the worst nightmare of every person who has ever sworn the sacred oath to the FDNY. We mourn his loss, offer our sincerest sympathies to all those who are grieving, and will be here to support his loved ones, and co-workers from Ladder Company 170 and Engine Company 257, and Battalion 58."
Lt. James McCarthy, president of the FDNY-Fire Officers Association, said, "We are saddened and heartbroken by the loss of Firefighter Klein, who died today while battling a fire in Bergen Beach, Brooklyn. His sacrifice embodies the ultimate heroism, laying down his life for others. We offer our sincerest condolences to his family and loved ones during this unspeakably tragic time and will be here to support our brothers in the Department as we salute Firefighter Klein for the final time."
Image of fallen firefighter released
The FDNY released an image of 31-year-old Firefighter Timothy Klein, who was killed while battle a house fire on Sunday afternoon in Canarsie, Brooklyn.
