Tom Brady Reacts To Boston Fire: Patriots Star Witnesses Blaze, Posts Heartfelt Facebook Message To Victims' Families

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was at the scene of the Boston fire that killed two firefighters on Wednesday, later releasing a heartfelt statement to the victims of the deadly blaze.

The nine-alarm Boston fire gutted an apartment building on Wednesday, the Boston Globe reports. Winds as strong as 45 miles per hour contributed to the severity of the blaze. Ultimately, an explosion claimed the lives of two Boston firefighters, Lieutenant Edward J. Walsh Jr. and Michael R. Kennedy.

The fire reportedly occurred just two doors down from the home that Brady shares with his wife, supermodel Gisele Bundchen, the Boston Herald reports. The newspaper captured a photo of the Patriots quarterback as he observed the Boston fire from behind a nearby fence.

On Wednesday night, Brady took to his Facebook page to comment on the blaze and to offer his condolences to the families of the fallen heroes.

“On behalf of my entire family, I want to extend my deepest sympathies and condolences to the Boston Fire Department and the families of our brave and selfless firefighters who gave their lives for our protection and safety today, and to the entire firefighting community who protect us each and every day,” Brady wrote. “All of you will be in our thoughts and prayers.”

During a Thursday-morning appearance on The Dennis and Callahan Show on Boston radio station WEEI, Brady offered additional comments on the Boston fire.

“We as athletes think that we’re heroes, but when you witness firsthand what I saw yesterday, you realize who the real heroes are in this world,” he said. “It’s the people that work hard to protect our lives and protect our safety and our freedoms in America—certainly the firefighters and Boston Police and the state troopers. I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Brady was just one of several Boston athletes to comment on the Boston fire via their social media accounts. David Ortiz of the Boston Red Sox, Brad Marchand of the Boston Bruins and Julian Edelman of the Patriots all sent their thoughts and prayers to the area’s firefighters. NESN has a full roundup of their messages, which can be viewed here.

[h/t For The Win]