Updated on Thursday, May 28 at 8:25 p.m.
Cortlandt Manor and surrounding communities are mourning the loss of two Putnam Valley High School students, the daughter and son of a Westchester County corrections officer, who were killed in an early Wednesday house fire.
The victims were identified by Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace as 17-year-old Alina Toone and 15-year-old Jeremiah Toone.
“This unbelievable tragedy is every parent’s worst nightmare. Mr. [Gregory] Toone and his family remain in our thoughts during this extremely difficult time, and I pray for the recovery of his beloved wife, Yenny,” Cacace wrote. “Our extended law enforcement family will be here for them in any way they need. May Alina and Jeremiah rest in peace."
The fire broke out around 2 a.m. Wednesday at a home on Sherwood Road, where four people were inside when the blaze began after a power strip connected to an extension cord failed, according to Mohegan Lake Fire Chief Thomas Eade.
The mother was injured in the fire but is expected to recover. Another adult son who lived in the lower level of the home sustained minor injuries and was released from the hospital Wednesday, Eade said. The family’s dog also died in the blaze.
A growing memorial has formed outside the home in honor of the two teens, with neighbors gathering to remember them and show support for the family, News12 Westchester reported.
The siblings, according to a post on the Putnam Valley High School’s TheatreWorks Instagram, were involved with the organization, serving as an assistant stage manager and a former cast member.
To these students, Alina “could light up any room” and was “sunshine as a person, having the ability to make anyone smile with her charming personality.” And Jeremiah “was the master of finding humor in any situation,” who was “always willing to bring a smile anywhere and anytime.”
Alina and Jeremiah were described as kind, hardworking and good young humans. The loss is deeply felt.
“May we all try to live with the same joy and generosity that Alina and Jeremiah showed us every day,” the post said.
“We cannot imagine a tragedy like this and wrap our arms around this family and their loved ones,” State Sen. Shelley Mayer wrote on Facebook, joining several elected officials, including State Sen. Pete Harckham and Rep. Mike Lawler, in sharing their condolences, support, and gratitude for first responders. “In the face of such loss, we stand ready to do whatever must be done to support this family.”
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched by Jessica Shannon for the Toone family as they face the unimaginable loss of two of their children and their home, which is not livable for the foreseeable future.
“No family should ever have to endure this kind of pain and loss,” the organizer wrote. “As Officer Toone and his loved ones begin to face the difficult days ahead, we are asking for the community’s support to help ease the financial burden of funeral expenses, temporary housing, and other unforeseen costs during this heartbreaking time.”
Organizers asked for prayers for the Toones and said, “every contribution, no matter the amount, is deeply appreciated.”
Torsiello confirmed that the GoFundMe, “Supporting Officer Toone After Tragic Loss,” is the page created on behalf of the family.
"Any donation will go a long way towards lifting up this deserving family, who have lost everything. And finally, I want to extend our deepest gratitude to Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins and Westchester County Department of Corrections Commissioner Joseph Spano for their unwavering support during this tragedy," Torsiello wrote. "We also thank all the brave firefighters and EMS workers who bravely put their own lives in danger to do everything possible to save the lives of Correction Officer Toone’s family. Their efforts will never be forgotten.”
Contributions are being accepted here.
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