Tragic Fire Claims Lives of Two Teenagers in Westchester County

A New York State corrections officer faced a heartbreaking tragedy when a fire erupted at his Westchester County home, resulting in the deaths of his two teenage children while they were asleep.

Gregory Thune, who has been a corrections officer for a decade, was working his night shift when the fire consumed his Cortland mansion around 2:30 a.m. on Wednesday. According to reports, his 17-year-old daughter Alina and 15-year-old son Jeremiah were rescued from their upstairs bedroom but sadly succumbed to their injuries at the hospital.

Fire Chief Thomas Eade explained that responders found the teenagers after using ladders to reach their bedroom. He mentioned that both were “without a pulse and not breathing” upon being pulled from the home.

Their mother, Yenny Dislatun, and an older teenage boy who lived in the house managed to escape. When they reached the scene, they saw firefighters attempting to help their children, who were reportedly screaming.

Initially thought to be an accident, investigators now believe the cause of the fire was an overloaded power strip.

The unexpected incident left not just the family but also Westchester County officials and neighbors in disbelief. County Executive Ken Jenkins referred to Thune as one of the county’s “most dedicated correctional officers” and described the tragedy as “unimaginable.” He expressed condolences, saying that the loss has deeply affected the entire corrections community.

Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace echoed the sentiment, labeling the event a “disaster” and calling it every parent’s worst nightmare.

Neighbor Juan Guardino expressed his sorrow, stating, “Mother and father didn’t deserve this.”

Both Alina and Jeremiah were students at Putnam Valley High School, actively involved in the theater group. The club is working to honor the siblings’ memories, sharing touching tributes about their vibrant spirits and contributions to the community.

Alina, described as a “ray of sunshine,” was known for her uplifting personality, while Jeremiah was celebrated for his sense of humor and kind heart. The school and surrounding community have come together, leaving flowers and stuffed animals at the family’s home in a show of support.

So far, over $190,000 has been raised in a fundraiser aimed to support Thune and his family during this devastating time.