Matthew Badger, Father of 3 Girls Killed in Fatal Stamford House Fire, Dies
The 2011 Christmas Day fire killed New York ad exec Madonna Badger's 7-year-old twins, 10-year-old daughter and parents
•
A Connecticut father who started an educational development foundation in memory of his three daughters following their death in a 2011 fire in Stamford has died.
Matthew Badger, ex-husband of New York advertising executive Madonna Badger, died Thursday, the LilySarahGrace fund announced on its Facebook page. The cause of his death is unknown.
"We are deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of Matthew Badger, LSG co-founder," the organization said in a statement. "While our hearts are broken, we are honored and committed to carrying on Matthew's legacy."
Inspired by the loss of his daughters Lily, Grace and Sarah, he co-founded the non-profit to create arts-infused learning programs at underfunded public schools for children with learning disabilities. Grace and Lily were dyslexic and needed special instruction during their academic lives.
"Matthew Badger. He was a wonderful man with a generous heart. He was an amazing dad to his girls, Lily, Sarah and Grace," Madonna Badger told NBC Connecticut Thursday. "He is with his children, his parents and his brother Mark. Please send him light and love. My heart is broken but also joyous that they are together."
The three girls and their maternal grandparents were killed in a multi-story house fire in 2011 started by embers that were placed in a bag and improperly disposed of. Madonna Badger and then-boyfriend Michael Borcina were the only ones able to escape the fatal blaze.
The inferno prompted a string of legal fights. For years, Borcina told investigators he had moved the bag of ashes into the mudroom before the deadly Christmas Day fire, but in a 2016 lawsuit deposition, Borcina reversed course and pointed the finger at Badger, saying she had moved the ashes and he had lied to protect her.
NBC 4 New York
Chloe, a nine-month-old New Jersey puppy, looks a little perplexed by the snow, but she's willing to go with it.
Instagram User @markelpresley1
This pup was bundled up for the snow Tuesday, March 14.
Instagram User @cooper_the_bernese
This puppy was out in Central Park during Tuesday's nor'easter on March 14.
Instagram User @princessjo_thebulldog
Dogs were out in full force during Tuesday's nor'easter on March 14.
Instagram User @the.hendrix.experience
These pups were feeling playful during the nor'easter on Tuesday, March 14.
Marley plays in the Bronx during Tuesday's nor'easter on March 14.
Jesse Grant/Telemundo
Dogs around the city enjoyed the snow on Tuesday, March 14.
Jesse Grant/Telemundo
Dogs didn't shy away from the snow during the nor'easter on Tuesday, March 14.
Instagram User @potusthepuggle1
This NYC dog wasn't shy when it came to the nor'easter on Tuesday, March 14.
Instagram User @asbury_the_wonder_dog
This dog had the perfect outfit for the nor'easter on Tuesday, March 14.
Instagram User @the_artful_dogger
This NYC dog was out in the nor'easter early on Tuesday, March 14.
Instagram User @jacquinyc9
Elle enjoys the snow on Tuesday, March 14.
Barbara Frankel
In case of emergency, CC and Cleveland Leebaw left a trail for mom to find them in Glen Gardner, New Jersey.
Barbara Frankel
CC and Cleveland Leebaw are just a couple of fuzzy friends frolicking in the snow in Glen Gardner, NJ.
Twitter / @katiebandz_
This Bridgeport, CT pooch is certainly enjoying today's storm (and probably wouldn't mind a little more).
Twitter / @conroy_terri
"Hey mom, can we go play in the snow?" Honey and her son Axl watch the snow come down in Apalachin, NY on Feb. 9.
Twitter / @anitaxfrancesca
Rosie loves the Pennsylvania snow, and who can blame her really?
Twitter / @furrrrguson
Who says cats don't like snow? This one does, enjoying this outdoor bench in Langhorne, PA.
NYPD
A police dog from an NYPD K-9 team hangs out in the snow.
NBC 4 New York
Chloe, a nine-month-old New Jersey puppy, looks a little perplexed by the snow, but she's willing to go with it.
Twitter / @culnCapitalCity
Copper the Beagle has a little snow on his nose, and he likes it just fine.
Twitter / @pisanovalley
The birds of Metuchen, NJ want their birdseed and they don't much care how much snow is on the ground.
Twitter / @chantellemarie
Some cats like to go out in the show ... some cats, like this one in Paramus, prefer to observe from the window.
Twitter / @silberandgold
When you play in the snow, you get snow on your face.
A dog in orange booties was spotted in Columbus Circle.
Bianca Rosembert
Brownie came with his snow gear and he absolutely loves the fluffy snow.
Bianca Rosembert
Bailey wasn't letting anything stop his morning stroll.
Futon was having a grand old time at Central Park West.
Karen Arnott
Logan (left) and Nicole Arnott catching snowflakes on their tongues.
Karen Arnott
Logan (left) and Nicole Arnott are thoroughly enjoying their snow day!
Twitter / @conroy_terri
There's nothing like enjoy the snow from indoors with a friend.
Twitter / @annamurdock7
Delayed school openings in Tipton, IN means a bright an early start on fun in the snow (much to mom's chagrin).
Twitter / @ElyseChengery, NBC 4 Columbus
A winter wonderland is best enjoyed with your loved ones, as one family in Marion, OH experienced today.
Erica Byfield
Piles of snow bring the perfect opportunity for family sledding in New Jersey's Van Saun County Park. Thanks dad!
Twitter / @magisterialmago
Little Luca is all bundled up and ready for his first snow storm in Philadelphia, PA!
Twitter / @79ca06abc214c2
Facebook User Jessica Elaine
Jessica Elaine shared photos of her dogs on a walk in West Milford Thursday.
Facebook User Jessica Elaine
Jessica Elaine took her pups for a walk in the snow in West Milford Thursday.
Facebook User Jessica Elaine
Jessica Elaine's dogs enjoyed a walk in the snow Thursday in West Milford.
Instagram / @anniebeaconhill
This pup decided to enjoy his snow day by keeping warm under the covers in Boston, MA.
Instagram / @porter_the_golden
Though Porter didn't get a snow day in Chicago, IL, he managed to enjoy the snow just as much as his friends in New York City.
@casperpomeskimo/Instagram
Casper is taking on the big city snow or shine!
@jenuncorked/Instagram
This pup doesn't mind a little snow. Just shake it off!
@midtowncoffee/Instagram
Puppy on the prowl.
@poochieboots/Instagram
Where are your snow boots?
@pbsthephotographer/Instagram
This little guy would rather get a lift home.
@tinasicaja/Instagram
Lily looks ravishing on her stroll through Central Park.
Instagram / @i_prefer_paws_and_claws
Chloe braves the elements looking cute in a pink winter coat.
Facebook User Lauren Ranck Nunez
There was plenty of fun to be had Thursday as snow fell in Orange County, New York.
Facebook User Mary Evrard-Deutschman
This dog was having some fun Thursday playing some ball in the snow.
@yeyush_the_chihuahua/Instagram
All dressed up for the weather!
@maya_thegoldenretriever/Instagram
Maya is wishing hard for more snow!
Badger responded to Borcina's claims in a statement to the "Today" show last May, saying, "I feel sorry for him. I feel incredibly sad for him."
Both Madonna and Michael Badger had outstanding lawsuits against the city of Stamford. Borcina previously agreed to pay $5 million to settle a separate suit filed by the children's father.
Badger told "Today" in 2012 she believed the fire was sparked by an electrical problem at the $1.7 million house, which was under renovation. She said she did not blame Borcina, a contractor working on the home.
