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New York City officials are blaming a faulty extension cord used on a Christmas tree for sparking the fire that ultimately led to one NYC man’s death. Playwright Daniel McClung (image, right) made it down just seven flights of stairs from the thirty-eighth floor condo he shared with his husband, TV producer Michael Cohen, before being overcome by smoke. He was pronounced dead at the hospital. Cohen was also hospitalized with severe injuries, but is reportedly in stable condition.
The fire was in an apartment on the 20th floor.
“Officials have determined a faulty electric wire connected to a Christmas tree sparked the Midtown fire that killed one man and injured several others, said a law enforcement official,” the Wall Street Journal reports.
The tenant was out at the store when the 20th floor apartment caught fire, authorities said. The tree was placed near the window, the official said.
One other person was treated at the scene, and several animals perished in the high-rise condo, the Strand. In all, 43 people were displaced in the fire. Five firefighters were injured, four with smoke inhalation and one with a shoulder injury, a law enforcement official said.
McClung and Cohen had just married on July 13, and had just purchased and moved into their Hell’s Kitchen condo at the Strand on West 43rd Street and 10th Avenue.
UPDATE: Fund Created To Help Man Whose Husband Died In NYC Apartment Fire
There are currently over 110 messages of sympathy and support on Cohen’s Facebook page.
“Michael, much love. You are in our thoughts and prayers.”
“You and and Daniel are deep in my thoughts. Much love to you during this heartbreaking time.”
“Love and prayers and strength to you, my friend, today and always!”
“We haven’t seen each other in years, but every time we’ve talked you’ve been the same sweet amazing man I’ve known since high school. Sending so much love and prayers your way. I’m so sorry this has happened. I hope you are able to heal with all the love coming your way.”
UPDATE: Another report notes the NYFD blames an extension cord but isn’t yet certain it was connected to the Christmas tree.
Image: Michael Todd Cohen (left) and Daniel James McClung, in 2011, by Javi Morgado via Facebook