Michael Altman was a fourth-generation firefighter living his dream. He started working for the Chicago Fire Department in 2024, proudly serving on truck #47 in the Edgewater neighborhood, until tragedy struck on March 15, 2026. The first floor collapsed underneath Altman in an apartment building in the 1700 block of West North Shore Avenue, and he fell into the basement. Crews rushed him to Stroger Hospital, where he died from his injuries on March 16.
He left behind a pregnant wife, a young son, and many heartbroken loved ones. The Chicago Police Department has arrested a person of interest in connection with the fire, which may lead to charges in Altman’s death.
The mayor called Altman a hero.
Altman came from a family of firefighters. His father was a battalion chief, and his grandfather ran the department during Mayor Richard M. Daley’s tenure, the Chicago Sun-Times reported. On the day of the accident, while Altman battled the blaze, the floor collapsed. He endured burns to 90% of his body. Mayor Brandon Johnson said Chicago “not only lost a public servant, but we lost a hero.”
The mayor added that Altman’s death highlights the importance of supporting first responders. “Let this be a constant reminder of how important it is that we continue to put our arms around our first responders and continue to support them,” he said.
Police arrested an unidentified man in connection with the fire that killed Altman.
According to an internal Chicago Police Department bulletin obtained by NBC Chicago, police wanted to question a man in connection with the fire. They reportedly arrested the unidentified individual on an outstanding warrant on March 18. The warrant was for failure to appear in court in January 2026 in relation to possession of methamphetamines, drug paraphernalia, and retail theft charges. It’s unclear what his connection might be to Altman’s death.
Fundraising to help Altman’s wife and children began almost immediately.
The Yard Foundation and Barstool Sports both started fundraisers for Altman’s family, Fox 32 reported. The Yard Foundation is a crowdfunding platform started by firefighters for firefighters that gives 100% of donations to the recipient and adds 3.43% to “maximize the impact.” It’s raised more than $465,000 thus far.
Digital media company Barstool Sports created merchandise to raise funds for Altman’s family. Danny Conrad and Eddie Farrer, both friends of Altman’s who work for Barstool, wanted to help.
“It just hit me like a wrecking ball,” Conrad told Fox 32. “I was shocked, I really couldn’t believe it. Then we kicked it into high gear.” They’ve raised more than $50,000 thus far.
Although the donations can’t bring Altman back, we’re sure they’re bringing his wife a bit of comfort during what has to be among the hardest times of her life. We hope the support will continue long term, and her children will always know how loved their dad was.
