Dutchess County fire kills Massachusetts teacher, 1-year-old daughter

The fire broke out Sunday night at a home in Clinton, where police found 35-year-old Shannon Hubbard and her two young children on the second floor.

Blaise Gomez

Oct 16, 2024, 11:17 AM

Updated 4 hr ago

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Charred pages from a children’s book can be seen scattered on the lawn of a boarded-up house in Dutchess County following a fatal fire at an Airbnb that claimed the life of a mother and her daughter.
State police say the residence is where 35-year-old Massachusetts school teacher Shannon Hubbard and her two young children were trapped during a fire Sunday night.
Rescuer recordings of the response were obtained by News 12 and offer a chilling glimpse of the unfolding tragedy.
“Children heard crying, yelling 'Daddy.' There is entrapment,” a dispatcher is heard saying on one recording.
Authorities say Hubbard’s 39-year-old husband, John, called for help and was found outside.
His wife and their 1-year-old, Margaret, and 3-year-old, Jack, were rescued by first responders but it was too late for the mother and the couple’s daughter who both succumbed to their injuries from the fire.
The tragedy is sending shockwaves through two communities, both in Dutchess County and where the family is from in the Brewster, Massachusetts.
Shannon Hubbard was a pre-school teacher at Chatham Elementary School in the Monomoy Regional School District.
“We are incredibly saddened by this loss and will make every effort to provide help as needed,” says Monomoy Superintendent Dr. Scott Carpenter. “We will keep Shannon’s family and the entire Monomoy Regional School District community in our thoughts.”
John Hubbard is a patrolman with the Dennis Police Department.
Chief John Brady issued a statement saying, “We pledge our full support to patrolman Hubbard and are committed to providing any assistance he needs as his family and loved ones navigate this unimaginable loss. We know that the Dennis community is caring and compassionate and will also be a source of support.”
Police say John Hubbard and his son are being treated at Westchester Medical Center while the incident remains under investigation.
News 12 is told the family was visiting John Hubbard’s mother who lives nearby. News 12 reached out to the property owner but hasn’t heard back.
Neighbors say the family’s loved ones are in their thoughts and prayers.
“We are all very sad that something like that happened,” says Clinton resident Bill Difrenza.
Police say first responders weren’t able to immediately to get inside the home to rescue the family until mutual aid arrived.