Cortlandt Manor, New York — A devastating house fire in Westchester County has left a New York corrections officer and his family grieving the loss of two teenage children who died after flames tore through their home while they slept.
Authorities say the tragedy unfolded in the early morning hours while the children’s father was serving an overnight shift at work.
Fire Breaks Out While Family Sleeps
According to reports, the fire erupted at approximately 2:30 a.m. Wednesday at the family’s home in Cortlandt Manor.
At the time of the blaze, Gregory Toone, a corrections officer with more than a decade of service, was working his overnight shift.
Inside the home were his wife and their children, including 17-year-old Alina Toone and 15-year-old Jeremiah Toone, who were sleeping in a second-floor bedroom when the fire broke out.
Firefighters rushed to the scene and launched an aggressive rescue effort after learning that people remained trapped inside the burning home.
Firefighters Fought to Save the Teenagers
Emergency crews were able to reach the bedroom where the teens were located and pulled both victims from the house.
Lake Mohegan Fire District Chief Thomas Eade described the desperate rescue attempt.
“I had two members in one bedroom… they worked their tails off to get these individuals out from the ground ladder, out of the window onto the floor where they’re both found pulseless and not breathing,” Eade said.
Despite lifesaving efforts by first responders and medical personnel, both teenagers later died at the hospital.
Meanwhile, the children’s mother, Yenny Disla-Toone, was safely evacuated from the home with help from an older teenager who lived downstairs.
Deadly NYC Crash Sparks Calls for Action After Illegal E-Scooter Traveling Over 50 MPH Kills Two
According to the fire chief, she was “screaming” to firefighters that her children were still inside when crews arrived.
Investigators Believe Power Strip May Be Cause
Authorities initially believed the fire may have been accidental, but investigators have since focused on what they believe may have sparked the deadly blaze.
According to reports, investigators now suspect an overloaded power strip may have caused the fire.
The investigation remains ongoing as officials continue examining the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Community Mourns Heartbreaking Loss
The deaths of the two teenagers have sent shockwaves throughout Westchester County and beyond.
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins described Gregory Toone as one of the county’s “most dedicated correction officers” and called the incident an “unimaginable tragedy.”
“Our hearts are broken and our entire correction family is mourning the loss of correction officer Toone’s children,” he said.
Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace also expressed sympathy for the family.
She described the fire as a “catastrophic incident,” adding that it is “every parent’s worst nightmare.”
Neighbor Juan Guardino echoed those sentiments.
“No mother or father deserves that,” he told.
School Remembers Two Beloved Students
Alina and Jeremiah were both students at Putnam Valley High School and actively involved in the school’s theater program.
Classmates and teachers remembered them as talented, kind and full of life. In a heartfelt tribute, the theater group honored Alina’s positive spirit.
“Alina Toone, an Assistant Stage Manager, could light up any room,” the group wrote.
“She was sunshine as a person, having the ability to make anyone smile with her charming personality.”
The tribute continued:
“She was also an extremely hardworking individual and will be deeply missed.”
The group also remembered Jeremiah fondly.
“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.”
As the family mourns, community members have donated more than $190,000 through a fundraiser to help support them, while flowers and stuffed animals continue to appear outside the home as symbols of remembrance.
What are your thoughts on this heartbreaking tragedy? Share your condolences and thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
