FDNY Firefighter Dies After Fire Erupts On Set Of Edward Norton And Bruce Willis’s Film
New York City is mourning the death of firefighter Michael R. Davidson, who was trapped and killed while fighting a fire on the set of an upcoming film.
'Motherless Brooklyn' Tragedy
On Thursday, March 22, a fire created havoc on the film set of Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, and Alec Baldwin's upcoming movie, Motherless Brooklyn. According to the New York Post, the fire broke out from the basement of 773 Saint Nicholas Ave. around 11 p.m. CBS News stated that the building where the fire took place was St. Nick's Jazz Pub.
The New York City government had designated the Harlem building one of the city's historical landmarks. Sources stated that Norton and several crewmembers were spotted preparing to film a scene for the movie when the Incredible Hulk star noticed flames erupting from the building.
"As soon as we noticed smoke coming up into our set, our crew immediately altered the fire department and began alerting residents of the building even as we evacuated our cast and crew," said Motherless Brooklyn's producers in a statement to CBS News.
New York City native Juan Rosa was one of the eyewitnesses that were there on the scene. He bravely captured several photos of the West Harlem fire. Three West Harlem residents were reportedly injured during the fire but their injuries were not life-threatening.
Horrific fire on West 149th Street and St Nicholas Avenue in #WestHarlem pic.twitter.com/DcHtKuUu8L— Juan Rosa (@JuanRosa_NYC) March 23, 2018
RIP Michael R. Davidson
Davidson and two other New York Fire Department firefighters fought their way into the building. The 37-year-old rushed into the building holding the nozzle to the water hose. However, Davidson and his two colleagues got separated as the monstrous fire's flames gained weight, and sadly, the father of four was separated from the pack.
"He was found unconscious on the floor and despite the best efforts of the FDNY and EMTs, they were unable to revive him," said FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro in a statement to the New York Post.
Before his death, Davidson served for 15 years as a member of Harlem's Engine Company 69. According to the FDNY, he is the 1,150th New York firefighter to die in the line of duty. Davidson leaves behind his wife, Eileen, and their four daughters. Two other firefighters were injured fighting the massive blaze while over 200 firefighters from across the city were able to put it under control around 2:30 a.m. on Friday, March 23.
All About Norton
In addition to filming Motherless Brooklyn, Norton's voice could be heard in Wes Anderson's animated comedy, Isle of Dogs. Several media critics such as Rotten Tomatoes, The Hollywood Reporter, and The Daily Beast gave the film high marks.
Norton may also not be vacationing with fellow actor Leonardo DiCaprio again anytime in the future. In 2016, he had to rescue the Oscar-winning actor from a watery grave in the Galapagos Islands when he lost air in his scuba gear.
