FDNY Firefighter From Long Island Dies After Falling Off 5-Story Building

A 42-year-old FDNY firefighter from Long Island died after falling from the roof of a 5-story burning building in Queens Thursday afternoon, officials said.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio confirmed the death of firefighter William Tolley, of Bethpage, at a press conference held in Wyckoff Heights Medical Center. The senior firefighter had been with the FDNY for 14 years.

"Everyone is in shock and grief," de Blasio wrote on Twitter. "To William's family, we not only stand by you today but in the weeks and years ahead."

Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro said Tolley was working on the roof along with other members of Ladder 135 when he fell to his death. The circumstances of his death are under investigation.

Tolley, who leaves behind a wife and an 8-year-old daughter, is the 1,147th member of the FDNY to die in the line of duty.

The blaze at the five-story residential building at 1615 Putnam Ave. in Ridgewood started at 2:20 p.m., the FDNY said. More than 100 firefighters battled to bring it under control. The fire was confined to a one-bedroom apartment on the second floor, Nigro said.

Nigro said the fire was not believed to be suspicious.

Tolley was the drummer in the death metal band Internal Bleeding, which was set to embark on a nationwide tour at the end of May. The band shared a heartbreaking note on its Facebook page Thursday night.

NYPD Police Commissioner Jimmy O'Neill and Gov. Andrew Cuomo tweeted their condolences.