Woman Who Died In Toms River House Fire ID'd As School Librarian

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Two communities are mourning a school librarian and wife and mother who died in a house fire in the Silverton section of Toms River on Friday night.

Sara Trahey, 33, was identified by friends as the woman who died in the fire that destroyed her family’s home and damaged four nearby homes. Her husband, Jeff, and three children, ages 2, 7, and 9, escaped the fire, authorities said.

“Sara was loved and respected in the community, and her death has left a hole in our hearts and lives,” wrote Amy Corbet-Elsbree, who set up a GoFundme campaign to support the Trahey family.

Trahey was the media specialist at Ella G. Clarke Elementary School in Lakewood, Superintendent Laura Winters said.

“Mrs. Trahey was an outstanding educator who cared very deeply about the success and well-being of each and every one of her students,” Winters wrote. “We will all miss her very much!”

Lakewood Board of Education attorney Michael Inzelbuch said the district would be organizing a donation campaign to help the family as well.

In Toms River, people who knew Trahey and knew the family were sharing the GoFundme campaign and remembering a friend and woman who was described as a kind and loving person.

“I will always remember the light, smile, and kindness Sara brought with her everywhere,” Lucille Must wrote on the GoFundme. “Lucky to have grown up with her down the street. Sending love and prayers to all, especially her beautiful children.”

The campaign had raised more than $26,000 in less than eight hours. Those wishing to help can find more information here.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said.

The home was fully engulfed in flames when police and firefighters arrived. Trahey's husband and children had escaped the fire but Sara was still inside. Billhimer said police and firefighters tried to rescue her but were unable to reach her. A Toms River police officer was treated at Community Medical Center for smoke inhalation.

Her body was found in the home after the fire was extinguished.

"This is a sad day for everyone involved," he said. Authorities are not releasing the woman's name until notifications are complete.

Photos published by Ocean County Scanner News show the entire house in flames, and strong winds spread the fire to four neighboring homes. The extent of the damage to those homes was not clear Saturday.

Billhimer said the prosecutor’s office Arson Unit, Toms River detectives and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit are investigating.

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