ALBANY, NEW YORK: A devastating house fire in upstate New York claimed the lives of four individuals, including a five-year-old girl. Firefighters responded to a distressing 911 call in the early hours of Saturday, July 8, where a woman reported being trapped inside the residence.
Who was Emily Thorne?
Emily Thorne was a five-year-old girl who died alongside her father Arthur Neander (also known as AJ), his girlfriend Becky Monterosso, and her uncle Dale in a house fire in Voorheesville. Despite the swift arrival of fire crews, the four individuals tragically perished in the blaze. Michelle Thorne, Emily's mother, took to Facebook to pay tribute to the victims, expressing her profound grief over losing her daughter, family members, and the father of her son. She recounted her son's harrowing escape by jumping out of his bedroom window.
Mother's heartbreaking tribute
In her heartfelt post, Michelle Thorne wrote, "As many of you have been reaching out to see if everything is ok. My son is ok and well physically. No words can describe the pain of losing a daughter/sister, a kids father/his father, and loving uncle. Unfortunately, my son had a horrific experience this morning when he had no option but to escape his house by jumping out of his bedroom window."
Thorne added, "It is with great sadness that we have lost the most amazing people in this world. My beautiful baby girl, mommy, and bubby will miss you more than words can express, you always were my sweet and sassy little girl. Dale we will always remember you with your wrestling and good ole Undertaker and listening to Mariah Carey. Aj was a wonderful man who was a great father to two amazing children! He was gone too soon. I will forever miss him as well as his son more than anyone will ever truly know!"
Efforts to save trapped occupants
Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple revealed that the woman inside the house had contacted emergency services and described being trapped in a room with Emily. "She didn't know where the other occupants of the house were. But she had a young child with her in her room," the sheriff told News 10. "The dispatcher tried everything she could do to assist her and to help her egress. She couldn't get out of the room due to an air conditioner on the window. It's a horrible scene. I feel horribly for the family, the neighbors."
The window was blocked by an air conditioning unit, preventing their escape. Despite the dispatcher's efforts to guide them out of the burning house, the trapped occupants were unable to exit. By the time firefighters arrived, the blaze had fully engulfed the home. Investigators believe they know the area where the fire originated, but due to extensive damage, they have been unable to access the gutted home to confirm the exact cause.
Fundraiser to assist with funeral costs and family needs
In response to the devastating loss, a GoFundMe campaign has been set up to support the family with funeral costs and other essential needs. The page aims to assist Michelle Thorne, described as a wonderful and sweet young woman, in covering expenses and obtaining necessary support for her child.
The page stated, "Michelle is a wonderful, sweet young woman and will need help with funeral costs, as well as getting any other medical services and replacement items for her child's needs. Every penny raised will go to help this young woman and her family. There isn't anything more I can say - we all can imagine how devastating this must be." As of Saturday night, the fundraiser has garnered over $2,100, with a target goal of $5,000, as the community rallies together to provide support during this unimaginable tragedy.
