R&B Legend Hospitalized After Fire Breaks Out at His Home

Soul legend Alexander O’Neal and his wife, Cynthia, were rushed to the hospital early Friday after a fire erupted inside their apartment complex in Burnsville, Minn.

Local outlet KARE 11 first reported the blaze. However, details were initially scarce about the singer’s condition or the cause of the fire. O’Neal, 72, who helped define Minneapolis’ R&B and funk sound in the 1980s, has not yet issued a public statement.

Fans and fellow musicians quickly flooded social media with concern and messages of support for the couple.

---

What Caused the Fire? Wife Shares Harrowing Moment It Began

View this post on Instagram

Cynthia later told TMZ she woke up to Alexander frantically alerting her, “with his arms in the air,” as flames erupted from the cord attached to his oxygen machine.

Alexander had been released from the ICU only hours earlier after a nearly two-week stay. He had been on life support and diagnosed with a rare bacterial pneumonia and an enlarged heart.

Cynthia said she then noticed a second fire on the floor. Alexander attempted to stomp it out with his bare foot and suffered burns. As the flames reached the mattress, the couple decided they needed to escape immediately.

“We could only walk a few steps at a time because he is so weak,” she shared. Both inhaled heavy smoke while making their way down three flights of stairs before firefighters carried them into an ambulance.

---

Apartment Destroyed as Singer Recovers in Hospital

Cynthia said she returned to the apartment later for Alexander’s medication, only to find their home “totally demolished” with melted bottles and water pooled “up to my ankles.”

Officials confirmed that four units in the building were destroyed and are now unlivable. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.

Cynthia was released from the hospital quickly, while Alexander stayed longer as doctors evaluated his lungs. He was discharged later on Friday. The couple is now staying with family as they determine next steps.

Despite the devastation, Cynthia remains optimistic. “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.”

---

A Look Back at Alexander O’Neal’s Musical Legacy

Play

O’Neal was tapped initially by Prince to front The Time in 1980 before parting ways with the band. He went on to launch a successful solo career, earning hits such as “Sentimental,” “Never Knew Love Like This,” and “Wherever You Will Go.”

Play

The fire came shortly after the death of The Time drummer Jellybean Johnson in late November. Cynthia said Alexander was unaware of his friend’s passing while he was on life support.

As the investigation continues, fans are sending love to the R&B icon whose voice and spirit helped shape a generation of music.