*Buffalo, NY — May 21, 2025* — A devastating fire tore through a downtown Buffalo hotel in the early hours of Tuesday morning, claiming the lives of 18 people, including members of the Buffalo Bills organization. Emergency crews arrived within minutes of the first alarm, but the inferno spread with terrifying speed, leaving little time for those inside to escape.
The fire broke out around 2:40 a.m. at the Grand Regency Hotel, a popular lodging and conference venue located just blocks from Highmark Stadium. The hotel was reportedly housing several members of the Buffalo Bills team and support staff ahead of a team event scheduled for later this week.
Among the victims were 14 players, two assistant coaches, and two members of the team’s medical and training staff. Their names have not yet been released pending notification of next of kin. Several other guests and staff remain unaccounted for, and at least a dozen individuals were taken to local hospitals with burns or smoke inhalation-related injuries.
Buffalo Fire Commissioner Daniel Reilly called the fire one of the worst the city has seen in decades. “This was a fast-moving blaze. Despite the quick response of our teams, the conditions inside the hotel were already catastrophic by the time we arrived. Our hearts go out to the families of the victims and the entire Buffalo Bills community.”
Preliminary reports indicate the fire may have started on the third floor, though investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Buffalo Fire Department have not ruled out any potential causes, including electrical failure or foul play. Fire suppression systems were in place, but it remains unclear if they functioned properly. Investigators will be reviewing security footage and structural blueprints in the days ahead.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and heroism. “People were yelling, breaking windows, trying to get out,” said hotel guest Monica Lewis, who was visiting from Pittsburgh. “I saw one man—looked like a team trainer—helping two others who couldn’t walk. He kept going back inside until he didn’t come out.”
Buffalo Mayor Thomas Reynolds has declared a state of emergency and urged residents to come together in support of the affected families. “This is more than a tragedy for sports fans. This is a heartbreak for the entire city. The Bills are a symbol of Buffalo’s spirit, and we grieve this terrible loss as a community.”
The Buffalo Bills organization issued a brief statement this morning: “We are devastated by the loss of members of our team in this horrific tragedy. Our focus is on supporting the families of the victims and working with authorities as the investigation continues.”
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell also responded in a press release, expressing condolences on behalf of the league. “Today, we mourn the loss of some of the finest young men and staff members who embodied the strength and unity of the NFL. The entire football community stands with Buffalo.”
Crisis counselors have been dispatched to support team members, hotel employees, and victims’ families. Memorials have already begun to appear outside the hotel and at the Bills’ home stadium, where fans are leaving flowers, jerseys, and messages of support.
As the city comes to terms with the shocking loss, officials say their priority remains recovery and a full investigation into how such a tragedy could occur. A public vigil is planned for Thursday evening at Niagara Square, with thousands expected to attend.