Fat Joe is stepping up in a big way to help his beloved Bronx community. According to a press release, he’s joined forces with the New York City Mayor’s Fund in an effort to raise money in the wake of the Bronx apartment fire at Twin Parks North-West that killed 17 people and left at least 32 others with life-threatening conditions.
Beyond making his own contribution to the fund, Fat Joe has secured financial commitments from JAY-Z and DJ Khaled and is in the process of reaching out to his friends in the music, sports, entertainment and business community for additional support as well.
The catastrophic fire began on Sunday (January 9) when an electric space heater sparked a fire in a duplex unit, flooding the 19-story apartment building with smoke. Residents trapped in their homes broke windows and stuffed wet towels under doors in an attempt to survive. Those who made it out alive recalled fleeing in panic down darkened hallways and stairs, barely able to catch a breath.
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Several children were seen being given oxygen after they were carried out, while evacuees’ faces were covered in soot. Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro said firefighters discovered victims on every floor, many in cardiac and respiratory arrest, but some couldn’t escape because of the volume of smoke. Some residents initially ignored the alarms because false alarms were so common in the 120-unit building.
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ABC New York reports the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) said all 17 victims died of smoke inhalation. OCME director of public affairs Julie Bolce said the manner of death was determined to be an accident. The victims’ ages ranged from five to 50 and just 14 of them have been identified.
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To make a financial contribution to the fund, head here. All donations will go to helping families and enabling the distribution of emergency supplies for those in need. Fat Joe has been vocal about the tragedy on his Instagram account as he urges others to contribute. Check out some of his posts below.
