‘Devastating’ loss leaves Cortlandt Manor community in shock and grief after deadly fire
The victims have been identified as 17-year-old Alina Toone and her 15-year-old brother, Jeremiah.
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Cortlandt Manor is grieving an unimaginable loss after a house fire claimed the lives of two teenagers.
The victims have been identified as 17-year-old Alina Toone and her 15-year-old brother, Jeremiah.
A growing memorial now sits outside their home on Sherwood Road, where neighbors have gathered to remember the siblings.
Lake Mohegan Fire Chief Thomas Eade discusses the emotional toll of the fire on the community and firefighters
“They’re a good family… it’s just devastating what happened here,” said neighbor Jean Guardino. “No mother or father deserves that.”
The fire broke out around 2:30 a.m. Wednesday.
Officials say four people were inside the home at the time.
Police say both teenagers later died from their injuries at the hospital. The mother remains hospitalized and the older brother has been discharged.
Lake Mohegan Fire Chief Thomas Eade says the cause was an electrical failure likely from a power strip in the home.
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins says the siblings’ father, Gregory Toone, is a county correction officer and was not home at the time.
The loss is being felt deeply across the community, with neighbors describing overwhelming sadness and heartbreak.
The teens attended Putnam Valley High School, where counseling services are now being offered to students and staff.
