Jacqueline, a dedicated supervisor of US Customs and Border Protection at Newark Liberty International Airport, was also a loving mother. Tragically, she lost her life while attempting to rescue her 6-year-old daughter, Madelyn, from a house fire in Hazlet, New Jersey.
William Montanaro, her husband, and their older daughter, Elena, managed to escape the blaze. However, Jackie bravely rushed back into the burning building to save her youngest child. Despite her valiant efforts, she was unable to make it out alive.
In a heartfelt statement, William described his wife’s heroic actions, stating that she “charged in with a mother’s love and the courage of a police officer propelling her attempt to save our baby.” He expressed his devastation at the loss of his beloved wife, as well as their vibrant and lively young daughter, Madelyn.
The family’s beloved dog, the Duchess, also perished in the fire. William’s statement expressed their profound grief and the comfort they found in the knowledge that their loved ones are now at rest together.
Jacqueline’s dedication to her work as a supervisor for the Customs and Border Protection agency reflects her commitment to serving and protecting others. Her bravery in the face of danger, as well as her love and devotion to her family, are a testament to the kind of person she was. The tragic loss of Jacqueline, Madelyn, and Duchess has undoubtedly left a profound impact on their loved ones and the community at large.
The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office has stated that there is no indication of any suspicious circumstances regarding the fire that claimed the lives of Jacqueline Montanaro and her 6-year-old daughter, Madelyn, in Hazlet, New Jersey. According to NJ.com, the victims were given CPR at the scene and transported to hospitals, where they later passed away.
Domenico Montanaro, William Montanaro’s brother, shared his brother’s account of the events leading up to the tragedy. William was awoken by the sound of fire alarms and rushed downstairs, where he discovered that one of the walls on the side of the house was already in flames. Smoke was already pouring through the house, prompting him to dash upstairs to evacuate his family. Within seconds, the entire second level was engulfed in black smoke. Despite having only a few seconds to escape, the family did their best to get out of the house.
The community is deeply affected by the loss of Jacqueline and Madelyn. The deaths have touched a chord of sorrow throughout the neighborhood. “We’re just really disappointed. There are no words. How come this is happening?” expressed Jacqueline Frescki, a preschool teacher.
The tragedy has left the preschool community heartbroken as they mourn the loss of Madelyn and her mother. “She was the epitome of the ideal person. She was always sweet and good to everyone, and she instilled that in her girls, to spread love and kindness,” said Sandy Hagberg, a preschool instructor at Miles of Smiles Daycare. According to Hagberg, Jackie Montanaro was true to character in her final moments, and her actions did not surprise her given the kind of mother she was to her daughters.