Robert T. Kilduff — a dad, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and third-generation firefighter — died after suffering severe injuries in the fall on May 23
Credit: Boston Fire Deptartment/X (2)
NEED TO KNOW
- Firefighter Robert T. Kilduff died after he fell from the third floor of a burning home in Boston on May 23
- Kilduff was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, a father of two and a third-generation firefighter who worked with the Boston Fire Department for 24 years
- He had saved someone earlier the same day during a different rescue
A Boston firefighter is dead after he fell from the third floor of a burning home.
Robert T. Kilduff died while working to put out a fire at a residence in the Dorchester neighborhood on the evening of Saturday, May 23, NBC Boston, CBS Boston and ABC affiliate WCVB reported. Boston Fire Commissioner Rodney Marshall announced the news in a press conference just after midnight on Sunday, May 24, according to the outlets.
The veteran firefighter suffered severe injuries after falling from the third story of the building on Treadway Road, per WCVB and NBC Boston. According to the outlets, a mayday call was issued when Kilduff fell, and he was later rushed to Boston Medical Center.
Kilduff was eventually pronounced dead at the Massachusetts hospital, despite the best efforts of firefighters and other officials on the scene.
At appt 8:15 heavy fire from 18 Treadway road Dor. This is now a 3 alarm fire pic.twitter.com/ux9GhSM1Fx
— Boston Fire Dept. (@BostonFire) May 24, 2026
Firefighters were later able to successfully put out the three-alarm fire, which burned on all three floors and through the home's roof, the Boston Fire Department said on X. All five residents were evacuated safely, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey confirmed.
Footage shared by the department shows flames shooting through the roof of the home as firefighters worked to put out the blaze.
Kilduff was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, a father and a third-generation firefighter who worked with the Boston Fire Department for 24 years, according to NBC Boston.
During the press conference held in the early hours of May 24, Marshall said, "Every day we put on this uniform, we know in the back of our minds that something like this is a possibility but to actually have it happen to someone that you work with and that you actually know is something that you can't put into words.”
Credit: Boston Fire Deptartment/X
The Boston fire commissioner also said that Kilduff had “saved someone” during a rescue earlier in the day on May 23, according to NBC Boston.
"Bobby was known throughout the department as one of those guys that you can go to for anything," Marshall said of Kilduff. “He was just a firefighter's firefighter, you know? He would do anything for you, he would do anything for the people of this city, and that was shown tonight."
The department also honored the veteran firefighter through a statement on X, offering condolences to his family. He is survived by an adult daughter and son, according to NBC Boston and CBS Boston.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Robert T. Kilduff who [was] tragically killed in the line of duty tonight at a 3 alarm fire on Treadway Road,” the department said. “May he rest in peace and always be remembered.”
Credit: Boston Fire Deptartment/X
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Boston Mayor Michelle Wu also offered her condolences during the May 24 news conference. She said the capital city “lost a hero tonight,” per NBC Boston and CBS Boston.
The governor ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff at all Massachusetts state buildings in Kilduff's honor at the governor's request, according to CBS Boston.
"His heroic actions last night saved the lives of five individuals, in addition to the countless people he rescued throughout the course of his distinguished career,” Gov. Healey said in a statement obtained by the outlet. “His death serves as a reminder of the dangers firefighters face every day when they put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe.”
"My heart goes out to his family and his brothers and sisters in the Boston Fire Department,” the governor's statement continued. “On this tragic day and every day, I want all of our Massachusetts firefighters and their loved ones to know that we stand with you, and we are forever grateful for your service and sacrifice."
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