Burnsville, Minn. — Legendary R&B singer Alexander O’Neal and his wife, Cynthia, were hospitalized early Friday morning after a fire broke out at their apartment building in Burnsville, Minnesota.
According to KARE 11, the fire started in a third-floor unit at the Willoway Apartments around 1:30 a.m. A neighbor spotted the flames and immediately called 911. Burnsville Fire officials quickly issued a three-alarm alert, bringing in additional crews from surrounding communities to assist with extinguishing the fire, evacuating residents, and treating victims.
Terrifying Moments Inside the Apartment
Cynthia O’Neal revealed to TMZ that she was awakened by her husband frantically alerting her to the fire “with his arms in the air.” She said she then noticed what she described as “a bubble of fire” on the cord attached to Alexander’s oxygen machine. The singer had been on oxygen after being released from the ICU just hours earlier following a nearly two-week hospitalization.
She also recalled spotting a separate fire on the floor, which Alexander attempted to stomp out with his bare foot, burning himself in the process. That blaze quickly spread to their mattress, forcing the couple to abandon their home and call 911.
Because of Alexander’s weakened condition, the couple could only move a few steps at a time while escaping down three flights of stairs. During his recent hospitalization, the 72-year-old singer had been on life support and was diagnosed with a rare form of bacterial pneumonia in addition to an enlarged heart. Cynthia said both she and Alexander inhaled a significant amount of smoke as they made their escape before being loaded into an ambulance and rushed to a local hospital.
Fire Aftermath and Ongoing Investigation
Authorities confirmed that two individuals were transported to the hospital, while a third person was treated and released at the scene. A family member later confirmed that Alexander and Cynthia were both treated at a local hospital but declined to share details about their conditions.
Four apartment units were deemed uninhabitable after the fire, while residents in other parts of the building were allowed to return home. The cause of the fire has not yet been released and remains under investigation.
A Legacy That Defined an Era
A longtime contributor to the famed “Minneapolis Sound,” O’Neal is best known for classic hits such as “If You Were Here Tonight,” “Innocent,” and his iconic collaboration with Cherrelle, “Saturday Love.” Over the course of his career, he earned eleven top 40 singles on the Billboard R&B charts, with three also crossing over into the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100.
Now 72, O’Neal played a pivotal role in establishing Minneapolis as a major hub for R&B and funk music during the 1980s. In early 2023, he announced his farewell tour, giving fans one final chance to see him perform live after more than four decades in the industry, from his early work with Flyte Tyme to his peak years of international success.
Outpouring of Support
As news of the fire spread, fans and fellow artists took to social media to express concern and send messages of love and support to the O’Neals. Alexander has not yet released a public statement following the incident.
Supporters across the music world continue to hope for positive updates on both Alexander and Cynthia as they recover from this frightening ordeal.
We continue to send heartfelt prayers and best wishes to the O’Neals for a full and speedy recovery.
