Tragedy: Chicago firefighter dies fighting massive blaze

A Chicago firefighter died after battling a massive blaze in the Lincoln Park neighborhood.

Andrew “Drew” Price, who had been with the Chicago Fire Department since 2009, died Monday morning when he fell through a hole in the building’s roof.

Authorities said the fire broke out at 6 a.m. in the building, which houses a restaurant and apartments.

CFD Commissioner Annette Nance Holt said Firefighter Price was on the roof opening vents when he fell through the skylight shaft while fighting the fire.

A mayday call was immediately issued, but rescuers had to cut through a wall to reach him. After the 39-year-old was rescued, he was taken to Illinois Medical Center, where he later died.

Andrew “Drew” Price, who had been a member of the Chicago Fire Department since 2009, died Monday morning after falling through a hole in the building’s roof (CFD).

“We all knew Drew,” Mrs. Holt said. “Drew has been practicing. He was a fan of a healthy lifestyle. Loved by many and will be missed.”

Price is the fourth CFD firefighter to die this year. Two firefighters died earlier this year on consecutive days while fighting fires in the city. A lieutenant also died after being injured while fighting a fire in the Norwood Park area.

Chicago Fire Department workers investigate the fire (AP)

“He was a wonderful man,” said CFD Battalion Chief Michael McCormick of Price. “He was as sweet as could be. He cared very much about himself and his family. He was exceptionally healthy. He was a light of sunshine. He never said a bad word about anyone.”

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson also paid tribute to Firefighter Price.

Chicago Fire Department personnel mourn outside Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center (AP)

“Andrew dedicated his life to serving the city of Chicago, taking a position on the front lines facing threats to our safety and community,” he said.

“He made the ultimate sacrifice to protect those in danger – a debt we will never be able to repay.”