Cortlandt Manor residents hold candlelight vigil in memory of teen siblings killed in house fire
Neighbors came together outside of what's left of the house at 79 Sherwood Road to pay their respects to 17-year-old Alina Toone and her 15-year-old brother Jeremiah Toone.
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A Cortlandt Manor community gathered Sunday night to hold a candlelight vigil in memory of the teenage brother and sister who died in a house fire earlier this week.
Neighbors came together outside of what's left of the house at 79 Sherwood Road to pay their respects to 17-year-old Alina Toone and her 15-year-old brother Jeremiah Toone.
The siblings died after flames tore through their home Wednesday May 27 at around 2:30 a.m.
An overloaded power strip reportedly caused the fire.
"It's a shame, so heartbroken," said resident Eddie McPartland. He and his wife were among the hundreds of people who came to the candlelight vigil.
McPartland recalled his friendship with Alina and Jeremiah's father, Gregory Toone, a Westchester County correction officer.
"Years ago, we worked at a Stew Leonard's. I was the electrician and he was the security guard. And then he left and then became a correction officer. And I hadn't seen him in a while, but then I've seen [sic] him at Home Depot. And now we're here to give moral support."
The mother of the two teens was still hospitalized as of Sunday night.
Alina and Jeremiah's older brother was treated and recently released from the hospital.
Students from Putnam Valley High School were among the mourners and friends at the solemn gathering. Many gripped bouquets of flowers as they leaned on each other for strength and support.
Adeline Leisengang remembered Alina as a bright and kind influence at their school.
"She was a very hardworking and kind person, and she always was just very supportive of everyone and everything. And she was just very sweet and always kind and loving," Leisengang said.
News 12 learned that the Putnam Valley superintendent of schools has ordered all flags be flown at half-staff across the Putnam Valley campus through June 6.
RELATED: ‘Devastating’ loss leaves Cortlandt Manor community in shock and grief after deadly fire
