TOMS RIVER – A fundraiser has been launched for a family who lost their home in an accidental house fire that injured three.
The fire broke out on the morning of April 13 on Tuyahov Boulevard at the home of Maryann, Garrett and Garret McAdoo.
According to a neighbor organizing the GoFundMe, Maryann woke to the smell of smoke coming from her son’s room, not realizing he had already left for school.
She screamed for help from neighbors, who called 911. One neighbor, Antonio Lizardo, went into the house to confirm her son wasn’t inside, and also brought her to safety.
The whole house went up in flames quickly and nothing was able to be saved, they said.
Maryann had to be airlifted to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia with burns. The family said she is stable but otherwise wish to keep her condition private at this time.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said the neighbor was transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River, where he was treated and later released.
A firefighter also suffered minor injuries while crews worked to put out the blaze. He was taken to Community Medical Center, treated and released.
Investigators determined the fire began in a bedroom on the south side of the home. Officials said the blaze was accidental, and they could not rule out a failure involving lithium-ion batteries as a possible cause.
“The Lizardo/Costello family have lived across the street from the McAdoos for 20+ years, and we are making this GoFundMe to help to rebuild the home that was lost yesterday,” they said. “Neighbors truly become your family, and we would like to do anything that we possibly can to help them during this unprecedented time.
“If you have ever come in contact with the McAdoo Family, you know that they are the most kind hearted, loving people that would do anything for anyone and now it is our turn to give back to them. Every little bit counts, so please consider donating what you can,” they said.
The GoFundMe can be found at gofund.me/ceaa9815f
The neighbor is also collecting dog supplies for the family as well as clothing in the following sizes: Maryann: size XL shirts, size XL pants, size 8 shoes; Garret: size L shirts, 32×32 pants or size M, size 9.5 shoes; Little Garret: kids XL 14-16 shirts, kids XL pants, size 9 shoes.
Jason Allentoff contributed to this story.
