What Happened to Scott Matthew Davidson?
Scott Matthew Davidson was a New York City firefighter who tragically died a hero on September 11, 2001, while responding to the World Trade Center attacks. His sacrifice profoundly impacted his son, comedian and actor Pete Davidson, who has frequently honored his father's memory through his work and personal life, including naming his daughter, born in December 2025, after him.
Quick Answer
Scott Matthew Davidson, Pete Davidson's father, was a New York City firefighter with Ladder Company 118 who died at the age of 33 during the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. He was last seen running into the Marriott World Trade Center to assist with evacuations before the towers collapsed. His heroic death has been a central theme in Pete Davidson's life and career, with Pete often speaking about his father's legacy and dedicating his film "The King of Staten Island" to him. In December 2025, Pete Davidson welcomed a daughter, Scottie Rose Hewitt Davidson, named in his father's honor.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline12 events
Born in Brooklyn, New York
Scott Matthew Davidson was born in Brooklyn, New York. He was adopted at the age of two.
Named MVP of Jacques Classic All-Star game
As a high school basketball player at St. Joseph By-The-Sea, Scott Davidson was honored as the Most Valuable Player of the Jacques Classic All-Star game.
Graduated from College of Staten Island
Scott Davidson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from the College of Staten Island, where he was also captain of the Dolphins basketball team and named Male Athlete of the Year.
Son Pete Davidson is born
Scott and Amy Davidson welcomed their son, Peter Michael Davidson.
Joined FDNY Ladder Company 118
Scott Davidson fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming a firefighter, joining the New York City Fire Department's Ladder Company 118 in Brooklyn Heights.
Died a hero in the 9/11 attacks
Scott Matthew Davidson, 33, died in service during the September 11th attacks, last seen entering the Marriott World Trade Center to assist with evacuations. All six firefighters from Ladder 118 perished.
Pete Davidson learns of father's death
Pete Davidson, then seven years old, learned of his father's death days after 9/11 by seeing his picture on television among the deceased firefighters.
Pete Davidson joins Saturday Night Live
Pete Davidson began his career on Saturday Night Live, often referencing his father's death in his comedy.
"The King of Staten Island" released
Pete Davidson's semi-autobiographical film, heavily inspired by his experiences growing up without his father and dedicated to Scott Davidson, was released.
Pete Davidson discusses 9/11 trauma on podcast
Pete Davidson spoke on Jon Bernthal's 'Real Ones' podcast about the PTSD and abandonment issues stemming from his father's death on 9/11.
Pete Davidson reflects on father's memory on podcast
Pete Davidson appeared on Theo Von's 'This Past Weekend' podcast, sharing memories of his father and how he discerns genuine stories about him.
Granddaughter Scottie Rose Hewitt Davidson is born
Pete Davidson and Elsie Hewitt welcomed their daughter, Scottie Rose Hewitt Davidson, named in honor of Scott Matthew Davidson, continuing his legacy.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Scott Matthew Davidson was born on January 4, 1968, in Brooklyn, New York. He was adopted at two years old and grew up in Staten Island, developing a lifelong passion for sports, particularly basketball, where he excelled as a player at St. Joseph By-The-Sea High School and the College of Staten Island. After earning a bachelor's degree in history, Davidson pursued his dream of becoming a firefighter, joining the FDNY's Ladder Company 118 in Brooklyn Heights in March 1994, a job he often called 'the greatest job in America.'
On September 11, 2001, Scott Davidson was on duty when the second hijacked airliner struck the World Trade Center. He and his unit, Ladder 118, famously captured a photo of their rig crossing the Brooklyn Bridge, an image later featured on the front page of The Daily News as 'The Last Run of Ladder 118.' Davidson rushed into the Marriott World Trade Center to aid in the evacuation of trapped victims, making the ultimate sacrifice when the Twin Towers collapsed. He was 33 years old.
His death left a profound impact on his family, particularly his son, Pete Davidson, who was just seven years old at the time. Pete Davidson has openly discussed the trauma and lasting effects of losing his father, including developing PTSD and a 'fear of abandonment.' He learned of his father's death days later, seeing his picture on television among the fallen firefighters. Despite the pain, Pete has channeled his experiences into his comedy and acting, using his platform to honor his father's memory and heroism. His semi-autobiographical film, "The King of Staten Island" (2020), is a deeply personal tribute to his late father.
Scott Davidson is remembered not only for his heroism on 9/11 but also as a dedicated father, coach, and community member. His legacy continues through his children, Peter and Casey. In a significant recent development, Pete Davidson and his girlfriend Elsie Hewitt welcomed a daughter on December 18, 2025, whom they named Scottie Rose Hewitt Davidson, directly honoring Scott Matthew Davidson. This act ensures his name and memory continue through future generations.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Scott Matthew Davidson made different choices?