Retired FDNY fire marshal dies from COVID-19

Retired FDNY Fire Marshal John Knox, 84, had been suffering from 9/11-related illness

March 17, 2020 08:23 AM

Retired FDNY Fire Marshal John Knox, 84, has died from COVID-19. Knox had suffered from 9/11-related illness and reduced lung function.

Irene Spezzamonte
Syracuse Media Group, N.Y.

NEW YORK — A devoted FDNY fire marshal died from complications developed after contracting the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), according to published reports.

John Knox, 84, of Queens, passed out and was taken to the hospital on Feb. 26. Family members initially thought he had the flu, but he later tested positive for coronavirus on March 9, according to the New York Post.

“Our sympathies and prayers go out to the Knox family during this especially difficult time, following the tragic loss of their beloved husband, father and grandfather,” FDNY Firefighters Association President Gerard Fitzgerald told the Post.

The retired fire marshal previously served in the U.S. Marine Corps., the NYPD and the FDNY, for a total of 34 years, according to the Post.

Knox suffered from obstructive pulmonary disease and reduced lung function after responding to the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the Daily News previously reported.

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