New York Daily News: MANHATTAN, By Larry McShane – Grammy-winning Bronx native Cardi B pledged Wednesday to cover the funeral costs of all 17 victims of a devastating high-rise building fire in her home borough.
The hip-hop star’s financial commitment includes the expenses to return some of the dead for burial in their native Gambia as Cardi B expressed her continuing support for the families still reeling from the city’s deadliest fire in more than 30 years.
“I cannot begin to imagine the pain and anguish that the families of the victims are experiencing, but I hope that not having to worry about the costs associated with burying their loved ones will help as they move forward and heal,” she said in a statement.
“I send my prayers and condolences to everyone affected by this horrific tragedy.”
The Jan. 9 blaze inside the 19-story Twin Parks North West started from a faulty space heater in a second floor apartment, sending flames and thick black smoke through the building on a Sunday morning.
The dead included a family of five, with both parents and three kids ages 12, 11 and 5; a mother with two daughters, ages 21 and 19, and a 12-year-old son who celebrated his last birthday one day before the blaze; and a married couple.
A 12-year-old boy and his 5-year-old kid sister also perished in the chaotic inferno. Fifteen of the victims were remembered together at a funeral where mourners gathered around their caskets this past Sunday.
The 29-year-old rapper behind the hits “Bodak Yellow,” “W.A.P.” and “Up” stressed her borough roots in pledging her support to the victims’ families.
“I’m extremely proud to be from the Bronx and I have lots of family and friends who live and work there still,” she said. “So, when I heard about the fire and all of the victims, I knew I needed to do something to help.”
New York City experienced its deadliest fire in decades
Mayor Adams expressed his thanks and noted donations can still be made through the Bronx Fire Relief Fund, which has already generated more than $2.5 million in aid.
“We are grateful for Cardi B, a true superstar on and off the mic, for granting some critical financial relief to the families of the victims,” the mayor said. “The city will forever be thankful to her and also to the grassroots donors and corporate partners who have been able to offer immediate support to our neighbors in need.”
Daniele Baierlein and Jorge Luis Paniagua Valle, co-executive directors of the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City, provided a heartfelt cheer for the chart-topping performer.
“Cardi B, in true New York fashion, quickly answered the call to help those affected by this tragic fire,” they said in a joint statement. “We are grateful for her generous commitment to cover funeral expenses and lessen the financial burden for the families during this most difficult time.”
Donors can also send checks made payable to the Mayor’s Fund at the address 253 Broadway, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10007.
- Top Feature Photo: Cardi B attends the 2021 American Music Awards Red Carpet Roll-Out with Host Cardi B at L.A. LIVE on November 19, 2021 in Los Angeles, California – Rich Fury/Getty Images
