Putnam Valley Mourns Siblings Killed in House Fire

Alina Toone, 17, and Jeremiah Toone, 15, were killed May 27 when investigators believe a power strip failed, causing an electrical fire that consumed their home.

The raised ranch home on Sherwood Road was consumed with flames when firefighters arrived just after 2 a.m. May 27. Photo courtesy of Westchester Fire Wire.

By Holly Crocco

Two Putnam Valley High School students were killed in a home fire May 27 in Cortlandt Manor.

The fire began just after 2 a.m. May 27, in a raised ranch on Sherwood Road. First responders found both the front and back entrances completely blocked by flames, preventing firefighters from gaining immediate access.

According to news reports, an adult son who slept downstairs was able to get his mother out of the house, and the two notified firefighters that 17-year-old Alina Toone and 15-year-old Jeremiah Toone were still inside. The teens were reportedly pulled from a second-story window, both pulseless and not breathing.

Firefighters and EMS provided CPR at the scene, before the two were transported to area hospitals. Alina was pronounced dead a few hours before her brother.

A pet dog was also lost to the fire.

According to fire officials, a preliminary investigation suggests that the fire sparked when a power strip connected to an extension cord in the dining room failed. The fire activated smoke detectors, which woke up the mother and adult son.

Dad Gregory Toone, a corrections officer for Westchester County, was a work when the fire occurred.

Both teenagers were students of the Putnam Valley Central School District, which activated the regional crisis response team last week and is working in partnership with the Putnam County Department of Social Services & Mental Health to provide clinical support throughout the district to 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,” wrote Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jeremy Luft. “Our thoughts are with the family affected by this devastating tragedy, all those who had personal connections to the victims, and the courageous first responders who arrived on scene and provided care.”

The Putnam Valley Children’s Center also offered its condolences “for the loss of two of the most wonderful children that have ever come through our children’s program. This heartbreaking tragedy is beyond comprehension and belief,” the center shared on social media. “Alina and Jeremiah will forever be in our hearts and memories.”

Lake Mohegan Fire District Chief Thomas Eade recognized the extraordinary efforts of the first responders who arrived on the scene.

“Arriving crews were confronted with extremely dangerous conditions and immediately entered the residence in an aggressive effort to locate and rescue the victims,” he said. “Their actions reflected tremendous courage, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to protecting life.”

According to Eade, firefighters and EMS personnel “did everything within their power in their attempt to save those children. Their efforts represent the very highest standards of the fire service and emergency medical response,” he said. “Incidents such as this weigh heavily not only on the family and the community, but also on the first responders who worked tirelessly under extraordinarily difficult conditions.”

The investigation remains ongoing and is being conducted by the Westchester County Cause & Origin Team in conjunction with the New York State Police-Cortlandt Barracks. Investigators continue to focus on the rear dining room area of the residence, specifically examining a melted extension cord and melted power strip as part of the investigation.

A GoFundMe account has been sent up to support the Toone family which, as of press time, raised more than $130,000. It can be found at www.gofundme.com/f/supporting-officer-toone-after-tragic-loss.