Alina Toone and Jeremiah Toone died in a tragic house fire in Cortland Manor, N.Y., during the early morning hours of May 27, the Westchester County D.A. said
NEED TO KNOW
- A brother and sister died in a tragic, early-morning house fire in Cortland Manor, N.Y., on Wednesday, May 27
- The two teens have since been identified as Alina Toone and Jeremiah Toone, per Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace
- “I am heartbroken … This unbelievable tragedy is every parent’s worst nightmare,” Cacace said in a statement shared on social media
A brother and sister who died in a tragic house fire on Wednesday, May 27, have been identified.
The fire broke out on Sherwood Road in Cortland Manor around 2:30 a.m. local time on Wednesday, per local reports. A girl, 17, and boy, 15, were in critical condition and had suffered burns on 40% to 50% of their bodies when they were pulled from a second-floor bedroom and rushed to nearby hospitals.
They have since died, Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace said in a social media statement on Wednesday evening, identifying the victims as Alina Toone and Jeremiah Toone.
"I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of Alina and Jeremiah Toone, children of Westchester County Correction Officer Gregory Toone, in a house fire this morning." Cacace began, adding that the "unbelievable tragedy is every parent's worst nightmare."
She continued, "Mr. Toone and his family remain in our thoughts during this extremely difficult time, and I pray for the recovery of his beloved wife, Yenny. Our extended law enforcement family will be here for them in any way they need. May Alina and Jeremiah rest in peace."
A total of four people were inside the home when the fire began. The children's mother and another sibling were taken to the hospital with minor injuries, News 12 Westchester previously reported. A family dog died in the blaze, as well.
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Mohegan Lake Fire Chief Thomas Eade said the fire is believed to have started due to the failure of a power strip connected to an extension cord in the dining room, according to WCBS-TV.
Eade said that first responders saw flames reaching past a bay window as the mother was outside screaming that she had children trapped inside, per ABC 7 NY. The teens attended Putnam Valley High School.
"This loss hits especially close to home for the County family, as the father of the children involved is one of our own, Westchester County Correction Officer Gregory Toone," Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said in a statement, per ABC 7 NY. "Our hearts are with Officer Toone, his family, loved ones and everyone grieving this unimaginable loss. We are also praying for the recovery of the surviving victims and for strength for the entire family in the difficult days ahead."
PEOPLE previously reached out to the Mohegan Volunteer Fire Association for comment.
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