Regis Philbin's Hero Son Danny Is Dead at 49 — Honored For 9/11 Bravery
Mar. 4 2015, Updated 12:28 p.m. ET
Regis Philbin's son, who overcame a severe disability to become a successful public affairs worker for the Pentagon, has died at the age of 49, The National ENQUIRER reported.
Danny Philbin, who was born with a spinal cord defect that led to the amputation of both his legs, had a strained relationship with his famous talk show host father until they reconciled six years ago — after The ENQUIRER published an appeal by the son's then-wife to the TV star for financial help.
Before that, the U.S. Department of Defense honored Danny in 2002 for remaining on the job despite the flames burning near his office after a terrorist-flown airliner crashed into the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. "This bravery and dedication were not without cost, as he was hospitalized later for several days,” the citation read.
A friend told The ENQUIRER, "He was a hero to all of us."
Regis and Danny stayed in regular contact until the son's November 7, 2014, death from natural causes, which was not publicized until now. Regis did attend the funeral, a friend who was there told The ENQUIRER.
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For more on Regis' hero son, pick up the latest issue of The ENQUIRER!