Firefighters

Michael Newman (1957–2024), Baywatch lifeguard

Michael Newman was a firefighter, lifeguard, and actor who starred on the hit TV show “Baywatch.”

Bob Beckwith (1932–2024), iconic 9/11 firefighter 

Bob Beckwith was a New York City firefighter who became an icon of resilience when he stood with President George W. Bush at Ground Zero just a few days after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. 

John Delendick (1949–2023), FDNY chaplain on 9/11

Rev. Monsignor John Delendick was a Catholic chaplain with the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) who comforted firefighters and their families at Ground Zero after the 9/11 attacks.

Keith Nale (1960–2023), two-time Survivor contestant

Keith Nale was a contestant on “Survivor: San Juan del Sur” and returned for “Survivor: Cambodia.” 

Gavin Escobar (1991–2022), former Dallas Cowboys tight end

Gavin Escobar was a tight end for the Dallas Cowboys from 2013 to 2016.

Dennis Smith (1940–2022), firefighter and bestselling author

Dennis Smith was a New York City firefighter and author whose bestselling books included “Report from Ground Zero.”

“Bullet” Bob Armstrong (1939–2020), WWE Hall of Fame wrestler

“Bullet” Bob Armstrong was a professional wrestler whose career spanned five decades, from 1960 to his final match in 2009. His four sons became professional wrestlers and he partnered with them in tag team matches at various points in his career.

9/11: The Grief of Ordinary Americans

When terrorists attacked the United States on September 11, 2001 — killing nearly 3,000 people in the World Trade Center and Pentagon, and aboard four passenger jets — Legacy was a young internet company serving families, funeral homes, and newspapers in the online obituary space. By 2001, Legacy recognized that our online Guest Books, because we screen each message before it appears online, were uniquely safe spaces for those dealing with a loss to share and grieve together. In the wake of 9/11, we knew one way we could help was to provide .

Russ Ewing (1923–2019), fearless Chicago TV news reporter

Russ Ewing was a longtime fearless Chicago TV news reporter who persuaded more than 100 criminal suspects to surrender. Ewing was a Chicago firefighter who then became a TV reporter, first working with Chicago station WMAQ and later with WLS. He became a trusted figure on the Chicago streets, and many criminals trusted Ewing to bring them in safely to the police. In 1975, Ewing and newspaper publisher Gus Savage talked two men into surrendering after they robbed a currency exchange and held two women hostage. Ewing was also an accomplished jazz pianist who performed on “The Tonight Show.”

California Wildfire Victims (2018)

Mourning the victims of the California Wildfires

The Story Behind the Year's Funniest Obituary

When the recently went viral, we wanted to learn more about the story behind the words. We talked to Ziegler's family members and found out how they worked together to create the perfect tribute to their father.

Greg Hudgens (1950 - 2016), father of actress Vanessa Hudgens

Greg Hudgens, a former firefighter who was the father of actress Vanessa Hudgens, died Jan. 30 of cancer. He was 65. The actress, who became known for her starring role in the "High School Musical" series, announced her father's death as she was preparing to perform as Rizzo in "Grease: Live" on Fox TV. She tweeted a statement about his death, which occurred the day before the show, as well as noting, "Tonight, I do the show in his honor." Hudgens revealed in August 2015 that her father had been diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer.

The Day That Changed Their Lives

While many Americans slowly made their way back to normality after Sept. 11, 2001, a few didn't – or couldn't – fall back into routine.

Driving the Bus

These six dedicated school bus drivers helped children get home safely.

September 11 First Responders

Paramedics, firefighters and police were among the first to respond to the emergency situation created by terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center. Still others, including Red Cross volunteers, did what they could to help in the aftermath.

Born to Fight Fires

William F. Callaway III, aka “Wild Bill,” loved fire engines from the time he could speak.

Disaster Chaplain

In 2001 Father Charles Bisgrove became a certified disaster chaplain for the National Transportation Safety Board in 2001. Only weeks later he was called into service.

MGM Grand Hotel Fire

It was one of the deadliest hotel fires in American history.

9/11: Messages of Sympathy and Support

On Sept. 11, 2001, life in America changed forever. In the wake of the 9/11 attacks, Legacy created a , where people across the country and around the world could share condolences for the victims. Here's a look at what people were feeling in the immediate aftermath.