Prince's ex-collaborator returned from ICU on life support, only to end up in hospital again due to fire.

Soul singer Alexander O'Neal, known for his early work with Prince, and his wife Cynthia were rushed to the hospital on Friday, December 5, after a fire erupted in their Burnsville, Minnesota apartment.

The 72-year-old musician had just returned home from nearly two weeks in the ICU, where he had been on life support due to bacterial pneumonia and an enlarged heart. His wife explained that the fire occurred only hours after his discharge, sending him back for further medical evaluation, particularly for his lungs.

Authorities reported that the fire started in a third-floor unit around 1:30 a.m., damaging four apartments in the building. Cynthia O'Neal was released from the hospital shortly after, while Alexander remained under observation. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.

Cynthia described the harrowing evacuation, noting that her husband, still weak from his illness, alerted her to the flames. She recalled seeing two separate fires, one involving a cord connected to Alexander's oxygen equipment and another on the floor. He attempted to put out the fire with his feet and suffered minor burns. They called 911 and exited the apartment slowly, inhaling smoke along the way.

Despite the trauma, Cynthia expressed gratitude that they survived. We are so happy to be alive. Our spirits remain good and we are moving forward, she said.

Alexander O'Neal was a founding member of the funk band The Time, closely linked with Prince and featured in Purple Rain and Graffiti Bridge. He was later replaced by Morris Day after parting ways with Prince, but O'Neal has maintained a successful solo career. Reflecting on Prince, he said in 2022, I couldnt hold no grudges because Prince kickstarted everything for us. What a shame he isnt here with us.

Author: Zoe Harrison