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A 21-year-old autistic man died in the Brooklyn blaze that also claimed the life of firefighter Timothy Klein — with the resident’s stricken kin hailing the fallen Bravest as a hero to The Post on Monday.

Carlos Richards, who police sources said was the son of a retired NYPD cop, was reported missing by his family when flames broke out in their home on Avenue N near East 108th Street in Canarsie on Sunday afternoon, authorities said. 

Klein, 31, the son of a retired Bravest, died when the second floor caved in, officials said.

Several years ago, the fireman had given the eulogy for fellow firefighter Steven Pollard after Pollard was killed on duty at the scene of a Brooklyn car crash.

Later Sunday, Richards’ body was found in the home’s charred remains, authorities said. The young man was autistic and home alone at the time, said a woman answering a phone number listed for Richards’ mother. The woman declined further comment.

“Our condolences go to the family of the firefighter who died trying to save Carlos,” a man told The Post by phone Monday, after answering the same number.


  Carlos Richards, left, seen in a GoFundMe photo. gofundme Carlos Richards, left, seen in a GoFundMe photo. gofundme

  Richards was reported missing by his family when flames broke out. eyJpdiI6IkRtNEpza3hoeXFBcytCQ3E0 Richards was reported missing by his family when flames broke out. eyJpdiI6IkRtNEpza3hoeXFBcytCQ3E0

  Richards was home alone at the time of the fire. gofundme Richards was home alone at the time of the fire. gofundme

  Cops found a body – believed to be Carlos Richards’ – inside the home. BRIGITTE STELZER Cops found a body – believed to be Carlos Richards’ – inside the home. BRIGITTE STELZER

  Eight other firefighters also were injured. Brigitte Stelzer Eight other firefighters also were injured. Brigitte Stelzer

  Fire officials say flames suddenly swept through the second floor of the building. Wayne Carrington Fire officials say flames suddenly swept through the second floor of the building. Wayne Carrington

  Timothy Klein was assigned to Ladder Co. 170. BRIGITTE STELZER Timothy Klein was assigned to Ladder Co. 170. BRIGITTE STELZER

“Our hearts go out to his family. Right now, we’re grieving for Carlos, and we share the same pain that they are feeling,’’ added the man, who did not identify himself.

On Monday, the dead man’s sister, Chloe Richards, posted a moving photo of her brother and mother on a GoFundMe page to help the family with funeral costs.

“The loss we are experiencing is monumental,” she wrote. “As we try to piece together all that’s happened, we’re raising money for Carlo’s funeral expenses so we can do right by our boy.


  Carlos Richards was reported missing by his family when the blaze broke out. G.N.Miller/NYPost Carlos Richards was reported missing by his family when the blaze broke out. G.N.Miller/NYPost

  Firefighter Timothy Klein was one of more than 100 FDNY members responding to an Avenue N residence in Canarsie. Brian Grogan Firefighter Timothy Klein was one of more than 100 FDNY members responding to an Avenue N residence in Canarsie. Brian Grogan

  Firefighter Timothy Klein is the 31-year-old son of a retired fireman. Brian Grogan Firefighter Timothy Klein is the 31-year-old son of a retired fireman. Brian Grogan

  Timothy Klein was fatally injured in the structural collapse. Courtesy of FDNY via AP Timothy Klein was fatally injured in the structural collapse. Courtesy of FDNY via AP

“He was such a bright light in our lives — he loved everyone and everyone loved him,” Chloe Richards said. 

She said donations will also help her mom “get back on her feet” after losing everything in the fire.

Chloe set a goal of $30,000 and had collected $5,530 in the first three hours the fundraising page was online. 


  Firefighters salute as the body of Firefighter Timothy Klein arrives at the Manhattan medical examiner’s office. G.N.Miller/NYPost Firefighters salute as the body of Firefighter Timothy Klein arrives at the Manhattan medical examiner’s office. G.N.Miller/NYPost

  Firefighters prepare to carry out the body of Firefighter Timothy Klein, April 24,2022. Wayne Carrington Firefighters prepare to carry out the body of Firefighter Timothy Klein, April 24,2022. Wayne Carrington

  Firefighters and police line up at the medical examiner’s office as the body of Timothy Klein arrives. G.N.Miller/NYPost Firefighters and police line up at the medical examiner’s office as the body of Timothy Klein arrives. G.N.Miller/NYPost

  Timothy Klein grew up in Breezy Point, Queens, and lived in Rockaway. G.N.Miller/NYPost Timothy Klein grew up in Breezy Point, Queens, and lived in Rockaway. G.N.Miller/NYPost

Fire officials say smoke-eaters were battling the blaze when flames suddenly swept through the second floor of the building, sending them leaping from windows as part of the structure began caving in on itself, fire officials said.

Klein — the  son of a retired fireman — was fatally injured in the structural collapse, according to authorities and sources.

Eight other firefighters also were injured, either in the collapse or from burns, officials said.


  Firefighters prepare to carry out the body of Firefighter Timothy Klein, April 24, 2022 Wayne Carrington Firefighters prepare to carry out the body of Firefighter Timothy Klein, April 24, 2022 Wayne Carrington

  Timothy Klein is survived by his father, retired FDNY Firefighter Patrick Klein, his mother Diane, and his three sisters. BRIGITTE STELZER Timothy Klein is survived by his father, retired FDNY Firefighter Patrick Klein, his mother Diane, and his three sisters. BRIGITTE STELZER

“Everything seemed to be going routine when suddenly the entire second floor became engulfed in flames,” Acting Chief of Department John Hodgens told reporters Sunday evening.

“Three other members that were with [Klein] were able to escape by jumping out windows and getting out ladders in other areas of the building.

“Our members worked feverishly, very hard under very difficult conditions, to try to reach [Klein],’’ Hodgens said. “Unfortunately, they were not able to get to him in time, and he succumbed to his injuries.

“Timothy lost his life doing his job that was asked of him every day.”


  Timothy Klein apparently became separated from his comrades. Wayne Carrington Timothy Klein apparently became separated from his comrades. Wayne Carrington

  The city medical examiner’s office will officially confirm Carlos Richards’ identity.  BRIGITTE STELZER The city medical examiner’s office will officially confirm Carlos Richards’ identity.  BRIGITTE STELZER

Mayor Eric Adams added, “It gives us great pain and sorrow to announce that New York City has lost one of its bravest, Timothy Klein, 6 1/2 years as a firefighter, 31-years-old, coming from a rich tradition of dad and other relatives who are firefighters.

“New York has lost one of its Bravest.”

Klein grew up in Breezy Point, Queens, and lived in Rockaway, sources said. He is survived by his father, retired FDNY Firefighter Patrick Klein, his mother Diane and his three sisters, according to officials.

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