Hudson Valley Community Mourns For A Family Devastated By Fire

CORTLANDT MANOR, NY — Community leaders are offering what consolation they can after a house fire tore a Westchester County family apart and broke hearts far beyond the confines of a close-knit Hudson Valley hamlet.

Teenage siblings, a boy and a girl, died hours after being pulled from the second floor of the house by firefighters who put themselves in harm's way. Two other members of the family are still fighting for their lives in the hospital.

SEE ALSO: Second Teen Has Now Died Following Tragic Overnight House Fire, 2 Others Critically Hurt In Cortlandt Manor

At 2:27 a.m., on Wednesday, New York State Police in Cortlandt were dispatched to a home on Sherwood Road, in the Town of Cortlandt, after receiving a report of a residential structure fire.

Upon arrival, responders noted an active structure fire.

The home was occupied by four people at the time the fire started. Two juvenile residents, a 17-year-old girl and a 15-year-old boy, were removed from the home and rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Alina Toone, 17, later succumbed to her injuries at the hospital. Jeremiah Toone, 15, also died a few hours later.

"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," Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace said in a statement on Wednesday. "This unbelievable tragedy is every parent's worst nightmare. 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."

Meanwhile, school officials said that members of the Regional Crisis Team, along with representatives from the Putnam County Department of Social Services and Mental Health, will be at Putnam Valley High School to provide clinical support to students and staff.

"The Putnam Valley School Community has suffered another heartbreaking loss, as we were notified that last night’s fire claimed the life of a second high school student," Putnam Valley Central School District Superintendent Jeremy Luft said in a message to families. "It is difficult to find the words to share such devastating news with our community. During times like these, the strength, compassion, and support of our community are more important than ever. We remain committed to supporting our students, staff, and families as we navigate this profound loss together."

On Wednesday afternoon, Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins issued a deeply personal statement on the tragedy.

"On behalf of Westchester County, I want to express our profound sorrow and deepest condolences to the Toone family and all those impacted by this heartbreaking tragedy in Cortlandt Manor," Jenkins said. "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. 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."

The county executive thanked the first responders who risked their own lives to get to the family members in the burning home.

"We are deeply grateful to the firefighters, EMS personnel, police officers and medical teams who responded with extraordinary courage under devastating circumstances," Jenkins said. "There are simply no words that can ease the pain of losing a child. Westchester County stands united in support of the Toone family and the Cortlandt community during this incredibly painful time."

News of the tragedy drew heartfelt bipartisan sentiments from the Hudson Valley's congressional delegation.

"I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of two children following the devastating house fire that broke out earlier this morning in Corlandt Manor," Congressman Mike Lawler, who represents the 17th congressional district said. "This unimaginable tragedy has left an entire community heartbroken. My thoughts and prayers are with Westchester County Correction Officer Gregory Toone and his family loved ones, first responders, and all those affected during this incredibly difficult and painful time."

The deep loss was shared across the Hudson Valley. Many of the siblings' classmates are from nearby Putnam County.

"Our hearts are with everyone affected by yesterday morning’s devastating fire, especially the family, friends, classmates, and loved ones grieving this unimaginable loss," Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne said. "Putnam County is heartbroken alongside the greater Westchester, Cortlandt and Putnam Valley communities. Our County team is working closely with Putnam Valley Central School District to help provide support and resources for students, staff, and anyone in need.Please keep all those impacted in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time."

Even closer to home, a small community reacted with disbelief.

"We are heartbroken by the devastating tragedy that impacted our community today," Town of Putnam Valley said of the tragic events of the last 48-hours. "The loss of two Putnam Valley High School students as a result of a house fire is unfathomable. We are keeping the family, and all who are affected, including our brave first responders, in our thoughts and prayers."