Longley died in The Station nightclub fire on February 20, 2003, which claimed a total of 100 lives. When the fire started, Longley was performing with the band Great White. Instead of immediately exiting the building through the nearby band door, Longley ran off of the stage to break some windows with his guitar and aide in helping concert goers escape in the chaos. Longley was the only band member to lose his life in the fire.
Ty Longley was survived by Heidi Longley, who was three months pregnant with Ty’s only child.[1] Their son Acey Ty Christopher Longley was born in the summer of 2003.[2][3] Acey is also a musician, and runs a charity called B.E.A.T.S. (Bringing Everyone A Tremendous Smile) for children in his father's memory.[4][5]