TOMS RIVER – Sara Trahey touched a lot of lives at the elementary school where she worked, and many more were touched by the tragic story of her passing.
A fire started in her 15th Street home on the night of Feb. 7. Fueled by strong winds, the fire spread to four neighbors’ homes as well.
According to a witness, the entire sky was filled with smoke. One neighbor reportedly banged on the front door to wake the family up when he saw the flames.
“Our neighborhood is in shock,” one neighbor said on social media. “I am terribly sorry for their loss, and I pray God comforts this family during this terrible tragedy.”
Police reported that the family was home at the time of the fire. The father and three young children managed to escape, but Sara did not.
While the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office had not officially identified the victim at press time, several family friends and relatives reached out to Jersey Shore Online and other local media outlets confirming the identity being that of Sara Trahey. Sara was the media specialist at Ella G. Clarke Elementary School in Lakewood.
The Lakewood Board of Education will rename the library at her school in her honor, said Michael Inzelbuch, attorney for the board. They will be doing it officially at a Board meeting. The family is invited, although since they are grieving, they might not want to grieve publicly.
Inzelbuch and his wife are also donating a $1,000 scholarship in her name to any Lakewood High School graduate who wants to pursue library science.
According to a family friend who spoke with Jersey Shore Online and asked to remain anonymous, Trahey was a wonderful, gentle soul and they are devastated by this tragic loss.
The story of the family’s loss spread through social media, which also directed readers to fundraising.
The GoFundMe page reads “It is with great sadness to announce the sudden and tragic passing of Sara Trahey. Sara was the loving wife of Jeff, and the mother of three beautiful children ages, 2, 7 and 9. Sara was loved and respected in the community, and her death has left a hole in our hearts and lives.”
As of press time, a GoFundMe started for her family has raised more than $145,920.
“All proceeds will go towards funeral expenses, immediate needs of the family (clothing, toiletries, etc.), and anything left over will be put into a college fund for the children,” wrote fundraiser organizer Amy Corbet-Elsbree. “Words cannot express how grateful the family is for your generous contributions. The outpouring of love and support is overwhelming. Sara touched many lives in everything she was involved in.”
The fundraiser can be found at gofundme.com/f/the-trahey-memorial-fund
The fire was investigated by multiple agencies, and Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer reported that the cause of the fire was accidental.
When emergency crews arrived, the house was fully engulfed, police said. About 60 firefighters from multiple companies worked to get it under control. Police and firefighters attempted to rescue her, but were unsuccessful. A Toms River police officer was transported to Community Medical Center and treated for smoke inhalation. He was released the next morning.
