Fundraising 5K To Be Held In Westfield In Memory Of Teen Who Passed Away In Fire

WESTFIELD, NJ — Sam Tooley started the Night of Lights 5K race in honor of his younger brother Jake, who died in a house fire in Westfield in 2017. The death was especially tragic because the brothers had lost their father less than a year earlier.

As he recounted in a story in 2017, when Sam woke up to find that his house was on fire, he jumped from the roof to escape the flames. His mother got out, but they didn't know if Jake, 19, was home and they couldn't get back in.

Jake, who was a student at Monmouth University, passed away in the house, as did the family's dog.

Last year, the 5K race was held virtually because of COVID, but this Sunday, the race will be held in person.

The Night of Lights 5K, run by the Tooley Legacy Foundation, gives aid to local families who suffer a tragedy.

The race will be held this Sunday at 6:30 p.m. in Tamaques Park. More details and ways to donate or help can be found at jakesrace.com.

Did you know? You can get occasional Westfield breaking news alerts, or a free daily newsletter at 6 a.m. each morning with Westfield and other local news: Sign up with your preferences here.

Got news? Email caren.lissner@patch.com. Got photos? Please include express written permission from the photographer for us to use them. To be the first to get free news alerts with breaking stories in your town, or to get a free local newsletter each morning, sign up for Patch breaking news alerts or daily newsletters.