New Jersey firefighter and father of three dies battling blaze: ‘embodied the very essence of heroism’

A 33-year-old firefighter and father of three died from injuries he sustained while battling a massive blaze in New Jersey early Friday morning.

Officials in the city of Plainfield are mourning the loss of Marques Hudson, a hometown hero who rushed into a raging inferno at a two-story family home on Emerson Avenue just after 8 a.m.

Hudson had been a firefighter with the city for only two years.

He was the first firefighter to die in the line of duty in recent memory, city officials said.

The heroic first responder never emerged from the blaze, prompting a mayday call, Plainfield Mayor Adrian Mapp said during a press conference.

Hudson was injured after falling through the floor or down the stairs, Mapp said, noting the circumstances remain under investigation. Four other firefighters were called into the home and were able to pull Hudson out within minutes.

He was rushed to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital where he later died despite efforts from medical staff, who spent over an hour trying to revive him.

Mapp, who has been mayor for 10 years, said that this was the worst day of his life.

Hudson, who grew up in Plainfield and joined the department in December 2021, is being remembered for dedicating his life to serving his community.

“His valor and selflessness were the hallmarks of his character, epitomized in his final acts of bravery. He was not merely a firefighter – he embodied the very essence of heroism, putting the lives of others before own, a testament to his unwavering commitment and courage,” the city wrote in a statement online.

“The loss of such a remarkable individual is not only a professional tragedy but also a deeply personal one, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew him,” the statement said.

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said he would sign an executive order that flags be lowered to half-staff in Hudson’s honor.

“Tammy and I send our deepest condolences to the family of Plainfield Firefighter Marques Hudson, who passed away early this morning after succumbing to injuries he sustained while fighting a house fire on Emerson Avenue,” Murphy said in a statement.

“The tragic loss of this courageous young man is a reminder of the great risks our firefighters face every day in the line of duty. We owe a debt of gratitude to all of the brave firefighters, like Firefighter Marques Hudson, who serve our state.”

Three other firefighters were also injured in the house fire and taken to the hospital. Their injuries were not considered to be life-threatening, Mapp said.

Ten people were home at the time of the fire, which quickly spread across the two-story multi-family home, Mapp said.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.