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Thomas Phelan, a firefighter known for his efforts evacuating hundreds of people from Lower Manhattan during the 9/11 terrorist attacks, has died at the age of 45. Having helped with one of the biggest evacuations in New York City history, it is believed that his heroic actions actually contributed to his passing.
What happened?
Although Phelan is believed to have died on Friday, March 16, 2018, news of his death did not come to light until the following Sunday.
According to New York Daily News, Phelan worked as a Statue of Liberty ferry captain during the time of the 9/11 attack. During the time when two airplanes crashed into the World Trade Center, thousands of people were stranded. At the time, Phelan turned his tour boat into a rescue vessel, helping people to evacuate, considered one of the largest evacuations in New York City history. He later joined the FDNY in May 2003, was assigned to Engine Co. 55, and was later promoted to marine patrol and transferred to Marine 9 in Staten Island.
A friend, John Feal, offered the following statement of condolences on Facebook:
“Another Hero lost! FF Thomas Phelan FDNY Marine 9 passed from his Devil induced 9/11 cancer. Tommy was a Captain for Statue Cruises on 9/11/01 and was part of the largest evacuation in the history of our nation, as Thomas and hundreds of other boats and vessels helped evacuate hundreds of thousands off Manhattan Island to safety. Thomas was a superior athlete, and fought the Devil (9/11 cancer) and it’s Toxic Demons (The Aftermath) better then any average man, and Thomas took the Devil 15 rounds.”
“And while 9/11 Devil might have taken Thomas from his family & friends, you can bet Devil did not come out of this unscathed. Tommy joins the “The BEST of the BEST” on September 15th at 10am, when his name is read aloud followed by the ringing of the bell to remind all in attendance that they witnessed perfection once in their life. FF Thomas Phelan FDNY is now with God’s Army of Angels and he no longer suffers, he no longer needs Doctors and Nurses, and he can live in peace surrounded by love! Rest easy Thomas!”
What was Thomas Phelan’s official cause of death?
According to New York Daily News, it is believed at this time that Phelan died of cancer, which was possibly related to his exposure to the toxic fumes swirling around Ground Zero, as confirmed by friends and officials.