Eric Clapton made a tragic last promise to his son, 4, just hours before he died after falling 53 floors from a New York apartment

Eric Clapton’s heartbreaking tragedy unfolded when his 4-year-old son, Conor, tragically fell from the 53rd floor of a New York apartment building in 1991. The young boy had been playing near an open window, which was left unguarded, when the horrific accident occurred.

Lory Del Santo and Eric Clapton are seen leaving San Lorenzo, circa 1988, in London, England.

In the hours leading up to the tragedy, Clapton had made a promise to his son that would haunt him forever. Clapton, deeply devoted to Conor, had told him that they would spend the following day together, making plans for a fun, relaxing time. Unfortunately, those plans were never realized.

Musician Eric Clapton poses for a portrait in 2003 in Santa Monica, California.

The loss of Conor shook Clapton to his core, deeply affecting his personal life and music. The tragedy inspired one of Clapton’s most powerful songs, “Tears in Heaven,” a poignant ballad expressing his overwhelming grief and emotional pain following the loss.

Eric Clapton performs onstage at Madison Square Garden

Clapton later reflected on the experience, acknowledging that the pain would never fully disappear, but through his music and his memories, he continues to honor his son’s memory.