New York City firefighter who recovered brother's body from Twin Towers dies of cancer related to 9/11

Attacks ultimately led to deaths of the firefighter, his brother and his father

A New York City firefighter who helped with recovery efforts after the September 11 terrorist attacks and recovered his brother’s remains from the wreckage has died from cancer related to the tragedy.

Daniel Foley, 46, died on Saturday from pancreatic cancer, according to the New York City Fire Department.

Mr Foley started with the department in 1998, working with Rescue Company 3 in the Bronx.

Thomas Foley, Daniel’s brother, was also a New York firefighter, and died responding to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Daniel found his brother’s remains after nearly two weeks searching through the wreckage.

Lieutenant Mickey Conboy of Rescue Company 3 told CBS News that Daniel promised his mother and father that he wouldn't leave ground zero without finding his brother.

“On the first night, Danny promised his mother and father he wouldn’t come home until he brought his brother home with him,” Mr Conboy said. “On the 11th day, Danny miraculously found his brother Tommy in the rubble at the World Trade Center.”

Daniel was married and had five children. More than 200 firefighters – including the Foley brothers and their father, Tom Foley Sr – have died from illnesses related to working at Ground Zero following the September 11 attacks.

The Uniformed Firefighters Association of New York City firefighters issued a memorial statement on Twitter, calling the situation “a living nightmare for all of us.”

New York Mayor Bill de Blasio praised the firefighter in a Twitter statement.

“Firefighter Daniel Foley gave his life for our city. Just like his older brother Thomas did on 9/11. They represented the best of this city and we will never forget them,” he wrote. “God bless their memory and their family.”

“The attacks on the World Trade Center have claimed yet another brave member of our Department, and the Foley family,” FDNY Commissioner Daniel Nigro said in a statement issued by the department. “Daniel Foley, like his brother Thomas who was killed on September 11th, dedicated his life to rescuing others. We will never forget them.”

Comedian Jon Stewart made headlines last year when he went before Congress and demanded that they extend the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund which provides financial assistance to those injured during the 2001 attacks.

President Donald Trump eventually signed a bill extending the fund, ensuring victims will be compensated through 2090.