FDNY Lieutenant Gordon “"Matt"” Mathew Ambelas, 40, on July 5, 2014 at 2110hrs, died from injuries sustained when he became trapped while searching for occupants of a burning high-rise residential building.
Lieutenant Ambelas, was searching for trapped occupants in a 19th floor apartment at 75 Wilson St., when the fire flashed over and trapped him in a bedroom. He was found unconscious by fellow firefighters who removed him from the apartment and attempted to resuscitate him, along with EMS personnel. He was transported in critical condition to Woodhull Medical Center, where he later died.
"New York has suffered a terrible and tragic loss tonight with the death of Lt. Gordon Ambelas, who heroically died trying to protect and save others—something he’s done for more than 14 years for the city,” said New York City Mayor de Blasio. “We all mourn his loss, and I ask every New Yorker to keep Lieutenant Ambelas and his family in their thoughts and prayers.”
"We are deeply shocked and saddened at the loss of one of our own—a devoted, veteran firefighter who had an enormous love for his job and our mission to help and save others,” said Fire Commissioner Nigro.
Our condolences to the Ambelas Family & Friends, the City of New York Fire Department and to all affected by FDNY Lieutenant Gordon “"Matt"” Mathew Ambelas' passing.
To date, 48 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2014. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page.
