FDNY Probationary Firefighter Vincent Malveaux Dies After Medical Episode During Training Exercise
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A probationary firefighter at the beginning of his FDNY career tragically died Friday after suffering a medical episode during a training exercise.
Vincent Malveaux, 31, was on the job for less than six weeks when he collapsed Thursday at the FDNY academy on Randall's Island, CBS2's Kevin Rincon reported.
FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro said Malveaux never regained consciousness and died early Friday morning. His exact cause of death is under investigation.
"He started to feel sick. He passed out, lost consciousness. We have an ambulance, paramedic ambulance on scene. He was immediately treated and transported right here to Harlem Hospital," said Nigro.
Malveaux, who is from Brooklyn, was taking part in "functional skill training," which Nigro called strenuous.
"He was doing fabulously at the academy, extremely fit, his marks were good. He was enjoying what he was doing," Nigro said.
Even though Malveaux was a probationary firefighter, his death was mourned across the department.
WATCH: FDNY Commissioner On Training Death Of Probationary Firefighter Malveaux
Outside Harlem Hospital, Malveaux's body was taken by ambulance to the medical examiner's office to determine the cause of death, which has only been described as a medical episode.
Firefighters lined the street to pay their respects to Malveaux. Inside the hospital, doctors tried their best to save him.
"Unfortunately, we were not successful and there is not a dry eye in this hospital, in our ICU and our emergency department," said Eric Wei, interim CEO at Harlem Hospital.
Malveaux served as an EMT for four years before becoming a firefighter.
"We are devastated by his loss, and our entire city grieves together," said Mayor Bill de Blasio.
"He chose a noble career of service to New Yorkers, and today he was called home," said NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea.
Malveaux is survived by his parents, who were at his bedside when he died.
CBS2's Kevin Rincon contributed to this report.
