Soul and R&B singer Alexander O'Neal and his wife, Cynthia, were rushed to hospital in the early hours of Friday morning after a serious fire broke out in their Minnesota apartment. The blaze is believed to have originated from the 72-year-old musician's medical oxygen tube.
A Terrifying Nighttime Ordeal
According to an account given by Cynthia O'Neal to TMZ, the emergency began when Alexander woke her in the middle of the night. She reportedly saw a 'bubble of fire' in the cord of his oxygen machine. The star, famed for his work with Prince in the early 1980s, had only recently been discharged from intensive care after a nearly two-week stay for bacterial pneumonia and an enlarged heart.
The situation escalated rapidly when a separate fire started on the floor, which Alexander attempted to stamp out, burning his bare foot in the process. The flames then spread to the mattress, forcing the couple to evacuate their Burnsville home immediately and call 911.
Significant Smoke Inhalation and Damage
Cynthia explained that due to Alexander's recent health struggles, they could only manage to walk a few steps at a time during their escape. Consequently, both inhaled a significant amount of smoke. While Cynthia was treated and released from hospital quickly, Alexander remained under medical care for testing on his lungs.
Upon returning to the apartment, Cynthia discovered the full extent of the devastation. She described the home as 'totally demolished', with Alexander's medications melted and ankle-deep water throughout. The fire reportedly damaged a total of four units in the building, and an investigation into the exact cause is ongoing.
Moving Forward with Resilience
Fortunately, Alexander was discharged from hospital later on Friday. The couple, who married in June 2024 after decades together, are now staying with a family member.
Despite losing their home and possessions, their spirits remain high. 'We are so happy to be alive. We may not have a toothbrush, but we have a car! Our spirits remain good and we are moving forward,' Cynthia shared.
Alexander O'Neal began his career with the group Flyte Tyme, which later became Prince's backing band, before achieving solo success with hits in the 1980s and 1990s.
