William Tolley, founding drummer of Long Island, New York death metallers INTERNAL BLEEDING and a veteran firefighter, died yesterday (Thursday, April 20) after falling five stories to his death from the roof of an apartment building in the Ridgewood section of Queens, New York.
Tolley, who was one of 100 firefighters on the scene, tragically fell off the roof of the building shortly after the fire had been brought under control. The fireman was entering a bucket of a firetruck ladder, and according to reports from CBS 2, the basket shoot and the firefighter fell to his death. He was rushed to Wyckoff Heights Hospital, but they were not able to save him.
New York mayor Bill De Blasio paid tribute to Tolley on Facebook, calling the senior firefighter “a hero” who was “dedicated to protecting others.” The mayor added: “He gave his life to this work… He made the ultimate sacrifice.”
INTERNAL BLEEDING reposted De Blasio‘s tribute and added the following statement: “Our drummer, the heartbeat of the band, William Tolley died today. There are ZERO WORDS to describe the loss. He was a good, decent and honorable man who loved his friends, his family and the people he served. There will never be another like him. There are no words to describe the utter sadness and despair we feel right now. We love you Bill.”
