Photo courtesy of Complex
Just days after the tragic apartment fire that claimed the lives of 19 people in the Bronx on Sunday, Fat Joe has partnered with the New York City Mayor fund, launching a relief fund for the victims and their families.
On Tuesday, the “Lean Back” rapper took to Twitter and shared details about the fund.
“My heart is saddened by the tragedy in my beloved Bronx,” he tweeted. “Please join me in supporting this community by donating to the Bronx Relief Fund at fatjoe.me/donatebronx.”
Joe has contributed to the fund as well as other celebrities, including DJ Khaled and Jay-Z, have made financial pledges and contributed to the cause. Additionally, the Bronx native plans to contact other entertainment, music, and sports friends to increase financial resources, Revolt reported.
On Sunday, Jan. 9, the apartment fire occurred around 11 a.m. and was caused by a “malfunctioning electric space heater” in an apartment bedroom. The blaze quickly consumed the room, and the 19-story residential building was later engulfed with flames.
Daniel Nigro, the New York City Fire Department commissioner, said 32 people were rushed to nearby hospitals with life-threatening conditions. While 63 people were injured from the fire, nine children were among the 19 victims who died over the weekend.
During the conference, Mayor Eric Adams called the Bronx building fire “one of the worst fires we have witnessed during modern times.” He took to Twitter and confirmed the number of fatalities from the incident.
“We’ve lost 19 of our neighbors today. It’s a tragedy beyond measure,” he tweeted. “Join me in praying for those we lost, especially the nine innocent young lives that were cut short.”
“This is a horrific, horrific, painful moment for the city of New York, and the impact of this fire is going to really bring a level of just pain and despair in our city,” Adams said.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul also tweeted, offering condolences to all Bronx residents affected in Sunday’s tragedy.
“I am horrified by the devastating fire in the Bronx today. My heart is with the loved ones of all those we’ve tragically lost, all of those impacted and with our heroic FDNY firefighters. The entire State of New York stands with New York City.”