United States Fire Administration
EMMITSBURG, Md. — The United States Fire Administration (USFA) has announced the on-duty death of Firefighter Thomas Kelly, 66, of the New Haven Fire Department on 4 May 2026.
On February 26, 1992, Kelly fell through a shaft and down about 30 feet while conducting roof operations at a commercial building fire. Firefighter Kelly suffered catastrophic injuries including a head injury. On May 4, 2026, he passed away from the injuries he sustained in the fall during the 1992 incident.
Age: 66
Rank: Firefighter
Classification: Career
Incident date: Feb. 26, 1992
Date of death: May 4, 2026
Cause of fatal injury: Fall
Nature of fatal injury: Trauma
Activity type: Ventilation
Emergency duty: Yes
Duty type: On-Scene Fire
Fixed property use: Industry
The number of on-duty deaths for 2026 is currently 25.
Go here to read the number of interior line of duty deaths for 2026.
Fatality status is provisional and may change as USFA contacts State Fire Marshals to verify fatality incident information.
For more information about on-duty deaths as recorded by the United States Fire Administration go to “Firefighter Fatalities in the United States.”
Photo courtesy of Sisk Brothers Funeral Home.
Data Not Drama 