In March 2021, a New York volunteer firefighter was killed while battling a blaze in an adult home.
Now, the family of Spring Valley Firefighter Jared Lloyd has filed a wrongful death lawsuit, NBC New York reports.
Lloyd, a 15-year firefighter, rushed into the facility in an attempt to save residents. However, as the fire intensified, he also became trapped. He called a Mayday.
His fellow firefighters tried to pull him out, but heavy flames and smoke prevented them from reaching him. For hours after the fire was under control, firefighters scoured the rubble for Lloyd. His body was found nearly 24 hours after he became trapped.
Sabrail Davenport, Lloyd's mother, told reporters her son's death has left "a hole" in her heart.
The suit accuses rabbis of operating a 20-pound propane blowtorch on the premises without a permit, failing to conduct or maintain a pre-work check, failing to use shielding for sparks and heat from igniting the blowtorch, failing to provide a fire watch, and placing combustible materials unattended, according to published reports.
The rabbis performing the pre-Passover cleaning that allegedly led to the blaze as well as the home's management, employees, building inspectors and the Village of Spring Valley are named in the suit, the media reported.
Nathaniel Sommer and his son Aaron have pleaded not guilty to manslaughter and other felony charges in connection with the fire that killed the firefighter and a resident.
Criminal charges are also still pending against two Spring Valley building inspectors for alleging falsifying reports before the fire. They have also pleaded not guilty, the station reported.
In addition to using the blowtorch, the suit alleges the fire alarm system and inspections were factors.
Davenport told reporters: "People need to come out and support Jared. He lost his life, so we need you now to help us get justice for Jared."
The judge expects to issue a written decision by Sept. 28.
