Heartbroken community says goodbye to Cortlandt Manor teens killed in house fire
Funeral services were held for 17-year-old Alina Toone and her 15-year-old brother, Jeremiah Toone, who lost their lives after a fast-moving fire tore through their Cortlandt Manor home in the early morning hours of May 27.
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Family, friends and community members gathered in White Plains on Friday to mourn the loss of two teenagers who died in a devastating house fire in Cortlandt Manor last month.
Funeral services were held for 17-year-old Alina Toone and her 15-year-old brother, Jeremiah Toone, who lost their lives after a fast-moving fire tore through their Cortlandt Manor home in the early morning hours of May 27.
Investigators determined the fire was accidental and likely caused by an electrical failure involving a power strip connected to an extension cord.
“It has been a very difficult time for our family,” said Jack Toone, the siblings’ uncle. “This tragedy, we lost two beautiful souls. Just a very, very difficult time. The family is really struggling. But what I will say is that the community has been so supportive of my family. We knew that they were here for a reason. And the reason is that they’re bringing everyone together.”
The tragedy has deeply impacted the Putnam Valley High School community, where the siblings attended school. There has been an outpouring of support for the Toone family in the weeks since the fire.
Following the funeral services in White Plains, Alina and Jeremiah Toone were laid to rest at Rose Hill Memorial Park in Putnam Valley.
Loved ones remembered the brother and sister not only for the heartbreaking circumstances of their deaths, but for the joy and love they brought to those around them.
MORE: ‘Devastating’ loss leaves Cortlandt Manor community in shock and grief after deadly fire
