Authorities say a mother and her adult daughter were found dead following a late-night house fire in Middletown.
Officials say the bodies of 53-year-old Diane Young and her 27-year-old daughter, Jacquelin, were found inside the home they shared on Ideal Avenue.
The fire broke out just before 11 p.m. Tuesday in a second-floor bedroom, where thick smoke was seen billowing from the windows. Though the flames were quickly extinguished, it was too late to save the mother and daughter. Diann Young's brother said the two died of smoke inhalation.
Neighbors said Diann Young, a mail carrier, and Jacqueline, a part-time nanny, were known for their generosity. During Sandy, they opened their home so that people without heat or hot water could shower and freshen up.
"They were absolutely amazing," said Lauren Wildrick. "Jackie had the kindest heart. Diann would give you the shirt off her back. They were just great people."
The cause of the fire is under investigation, but prosecutors say it was accidental.
