In a heartbreaking incident, a fire ravaged a Westchester County home, claiming the lives of two sleeping teenagers. Their father, a New York corrections officer, was on duty when the tragedy unfolded.
Gregory Toone, who has dedicated ten years to his role as a corrections officer, was working a night shift when flames engulfed his family’s home in Cortlandt Manor around 2:30 a.m. on Wednesday, as reported by WABC.
His children, 17-year-old Alina and 15-year-old Jeremiah, were rescued from a second-floor bedroom but sadly succumbed to their injuries after being taken to the hospital.
Lake Mohegan Fire District Chief Thomas Eade detailed the rescue efforts, saying, “Two members were in one bedroom… they worked incredibly hard to extract the individuals using a ground ladder, pulling them from the window where they were found without a pulse and not breathing.”
Their mother, Yenny Disla-Toone, was saved by an older teenager residing downstairs. She was reportedly “screaming” to the firefighters about her children being trapped in their bedrooms upon their arrival, according to the fire chief.
Initially considered accidental, investigators now suspect the fire was sparked by an overloaded power strip, as noted by the Peekskill Herald.
Westchester County officials and the Toone’s neighbors were left horrified at what unfolded.
Ken Jenkins, the Westchester County Executive, described Toone as one of the county’s “most dedicated correction officers” and said the blaze was an “unimaginable tragedy.”
“Our hearts are broken and our entire correction family is mourning the loss of correction officer Toone’s children,” he said.
Meanwhile, Susan Cacace, the Westchester County District Attorney, branded the fire a “catastrophic incident,” adding it’s “every parent’s worst nightmare.”
“No mother or father deserves that,” neighbor Juan Guardino told News12.
Eleventh-grader Alina, and 10th-grader Jeremiah were both students at Putnam Valley High School and were part of the theater group. The school’s club has led the tributes to the teens.
“Alina Toone, an Assistant Stage Manager, could light up any room,” the group said on social media.
“She was sunshine as a person, having the ability to make anyone smile with her charming personality.
“She was also an extremely hardworking individual and will be deeply missed.
“Jeremiah Toone, a former cast member, was the master of finding humor in any situation.
“He was an extremely funny person with the kindest heart, always willing to bring a smile anywhere and anytime. The loss of Jeremiah will be sincerely felt.”
More than $190,000 has been donated to an fundraiser to support Toone’s family, while stuffed toys and flowers have been placed on the home’s front steps.
