A mother and daughter in New Jersey died in a house fire on Friday as the mother courageously tried to save her child. Jackie Montanaro, 40, initially escaped the fire but went back into the flames to try to rescue her daughter Madelyn, 6, according to CBS New York.
Sadly, both perished in the fire). William Montanaro, her husband, and their daughter, Elena, 8, escaped. Jackie's family and friends are devastated at the huge loss of a woman whom her husband called âa hero.â
The fire broke out early Friday morning.
The Monmouth County Sheriffâs Office reported that the fire began at a home on Brookside Avenue in Hazlet, New Jersey, just after midnight on Friday. The blaze required assistance from Hazlet fire, police, EMS, and several other jurisdictions.
According to People, Jackie Montanaro was out of the home when she realized that Madelyn was still inside. She rushed in to save her daughter, but became trapped inside the house. The sheriffâs office reported that a firefighter was also injured at the scene. The familyâs dog, Duchess, also died in the fire.
âAll first responders at the scene are commended for their tremendous efforts, coordination and quick and responsive actions in battling this fire and maintaining safety. Our thoughts remain with the two residents of the home and firefighter who were injured,â a statement from the sheriffâs office reads.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but does not appear suspicious.
Jackie worked in law enforcement.
US Coast Guard New York confirmed on its Facebook page that Jackie Montanaro was a customs and border protection officer. The post stated that the Coast Guard worked closely with CBP and was saddened by the passing of Jackie and Madelyn Montanaro.
âWe work very closely with CBP and our condolences go out to Jackieâs husband, William, and daughter, Elena in this time of tragedy. Our Sector New York family will stand in solidarity and support with our brothers and sisters in service during these difficult times,â the post reads.
Family and friends are grieving the tragic loss.
William Montanaro released a statement on Twitter thanking the community for their support and sharing a loving message about his wife and daughter. He called Jackie Montanaro the "love of his life" and Madelyn his âsweet, loving, spunky little girl.â
He also explained that he tried to get back into the house to rescue Madelyn but smoke overcame him. âJackie then charged in with a motherâs love and the courage of a police officer fueling her attempt to save our daughter,â he wrote.
He also wrote that he is now focused on rebuilding his life with Elena and laying his wife and daughter to rest. âWords cannot express the overall gratitude and outpouring of support for myself and Elena. We are humbled.â
Jackie and Madelyn Montanaro are remembered fondly by friends and family.
There are dozens of social media posts dedicated to the mom and her daughter. Jackie Montanaro made fond memories with dance team members, and the Montanaro family was loved by the Miles of Smiles Daycare community. They were also members of a local soccer club.
A post of support for William and Elena Montanaro from the Thunderbird District, Monmouth Council chapter of the Boys Scouts of America, where William Montanaro serves as assistant scout executive, brought many thoughts and prayers. CBS News New York reported that community members gathered for a candlelight vigil Tuesday to honor the family.
A GoFundMe has been set up for William and Elena Montanaro.
In addition to emotional support, family and friends put together a GoFundMe to help the surviving family members financially.
âWe cannot express in words how tragic the loss of this amazing Supervisor, Colleague, Friend, Mom and Hero is to our community. Jackieâs ability to get any job done at work was only second to her love and devotion to her family at home,â a post on the fundraising page reads.
The campaign has raised $307,000 of its $250,000 goal.
According to CBS News, a funeral service is scheduled for Friday at 10 a.m. at St. Benedictâs Church in Holmdel, New Jersey.
