NEW YORK (AP) — The family of a New York City firefighter who died after falling five stories while battling a blaze in Queens last week has the support of the city and a charity in helping to pay its debts.

The Stephen Siller Tunnels to Tower Foundation announced Monday that it intend to pay off the mortgage of William Tolley’s family home on Long Island.

The 42-year-old Tolley was on the roof of an apartment building during a fire when he fell on Thursday.

Speaking publicly for the first time, Marie Tolley, of Bethpage, says that she is grateful for the foundation’s support and for the support of the New York City fire department, adding that her husband would be proud, as well.

Investigators are still trying to determine what caused Tolley to fall to his death.

Copyright © 2024 Federal News Network. All rights reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.