Two teenagers who died after a house fire early Wednesday in Cortlandt Manor were named by Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace as Alina Toone and Jeremiah Toone, the children of a Westchester County corrections officer.
The fatal fire occurred early Wednesday morning at a home on Sherwood Road. Investigators said four people were inside the residence when the blaze started.
Here’s what we know.
Victims named in DA statement
In a statement, Cacace referred to the teens by name and confirmed they were the children of Westchester County Correction Officer Gregory 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 said.
“This unbelievable tragedy is every parent’s worst nightmare,” she added. “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.”
Fire occurred early Wednesday in Cortlandt Manor
New York State Police said troopers were dispatched around 2:27 a.m. Wednesday, May 27, to a report of a residential structure fire on Sherwood Road in the Town of Cortlandt.
When firefighters arrived, the home was already engulfed in flames, officials said.
Authorities said a mother and another occupant escaped before crews arrived and reported that two teenagers were still inside.
Firefighters rescued teens from second floor
Firefighters used ground ladders to reach the second floor, broke windows to enter and removed both teenagers from the burning home, according to fire officials.
Both victims were found in cardiac arrest and received CPR at the scene before being transported to hospitals, officials said.
Despite life-saving efforts, both teenagers later died from their injuries.
Investigation ongoing
State police and fire investigators said the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Earlier reports indicated the blaze appeared to be accidental and possibly electrical in nature, though officials have not yet made a final determination.
More information is expected to be released as the investigation continues.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: DA issues statement naming teens killed in Cortlandt Manor fire
Reporting by Madison Scott, New York Connect Team / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
