CORTLANDT MANOR – Two Putnam Valley High School students, daughter and son of a Westchester County Corrections officer, died Wednesday after being admitted to the Westchester Medical Center suffering from massive burns received when they became trapped in their burning home in Cortlandt Manor.
Officials said 17-year-old Alina Toone and 15-year-old Jeremiah Toone suffered burns over more than 50 percent of their bodies.
Nine-one-one calls sent Mohegan Firefighters to the inferno along Sherwood Road around 2:30 a.m. and when crews arrived and found the four-bedroom, 1,800 square foot home engulfed in flames, calls went out for mutual aid. Members of the Continental Village, Putnam Valley and Peekskill fire departments rushed to the scene along with other agencies from northern Westchester.
Mohegan Lake Fire Chief Thomas Eade said due to the intense fire, responders could not enter through the front door, so firefighters used ladders to reach the second-floor windows and rescue the brother and sister, both of whom were in cardiac arrest.
The children’s mother and another sibling, who were home at the time of the fire, were taken to Hudson Valley Hospital Center in Peekskill-Cortlandt with less serious injuries.
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said the victims were the family of 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,” said Jenkins.
Putnam Valley Superintendent of Schools Jeremy Luft also expressed sadness on behalf of the entire school community. “Our deepest condolences go out to the student’s family and loved ones during this incredibly challenging time,” he said.
The school district activated the regional crisis response team and is working in partnership with the Putnam County Department of Social Services and Mental Health. Clinical staff members have been available throughout the district to support students and staff.
“As a district, we are committed to supporting our school community in every way possible as we process this heartbreaking loss together,” said Luft. “Our thoughts are with the family affected by this devastating tragedy, all those who have personal connections to the family, and the courageous first responders who arrived on scene and provided care.”
Putnam Valley High School Principal Matt Melo also expressed heartbreak over the double tragedy. “We are heartbroken to learn of the news about the passing of our students. Our hearts go out to the family and all those affected by this tragedy. We are incredibly thankful to our district clinicians for supporting our students and staff at the high school during this very difficult time. As a result of this sudden and terrible situation, we have decided to postpone the high school chorus concert and the softball sectional game.”
Chief Eade said the cause of the fire remains under investigation, but officials believe an overloaded power strip ignited and caused the fire to spread throughout the home.
Putnam Commissioner of Emergency Services James Oster reminded the public,
“Power strips can pose a significant fire hazard when overloaded, used with high-voltage appliances, or connected in series, as this can cause overheating and electrical failure. The risk increases with damaged cords, poor quality strips or improper placement near flammable materials such as carpets or curtains. To reduce these dangers, use certified power strips with surge protection, avoid overloading outlets, plug high-power devices directly into wall sockets and inspect equipment for signs of wear or damage.”
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