Tarrytown suffers 'terrible loss' after two men in manhole die from toxic fumes

The victims were identified as Tarrytown Public Works Department foreman Anthony Ruggiero and Tarrytown Firefighter John Kelly.

Village Administrator Michael Blau said Ruggiero - also a volunteer firefighter - was responding to a report of a sewer backup behind the Consolidated Engine Co. firehouse.

When he entered the manhole to investigate, "something overcame him and he became unconscious," Blau said.

Kelly went into the manhole to rescue Ruggiero, but the fumes got him, too.

Firefighters with breathing apparatuses pulled both men out about 6:30 p.m. and tried to revive them, but it was too late.