A holiday-weekend house fire in Smithtown has claimed the lives of a mother and her son, Suffolk County Police confirmed Monday. Officials identified the victims as Christine Lehmann, 52, a resident of the home at 178 Fifty Acre Road South, and her 25-year-old son, Nicholas Lehmann.
The fire broke out on Sunday, November 30, 2025, at approximately 3:15 p.m., prompting multiple 911 calls as heavy smoke and flames engulfed the single-family residence. Emergency responders from the St. James Fire Department, assisted by neighboring departments, worked to extinguish the blaze.
A third resident, Ronald Montagna, 91, was pulled from the home and transported to Stony Brook University Hospital with smoke inhalation and burns. He survived but remains hospitalized.
Homicide Squad and Arson Section detectives responded to the scene and located the two victims inside the structure. They were pronounced dead at the scene.
Police said the cause of the fire remains under investigation but does not appear criminal at this time. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the Homicide Squad at 631-852-6392.
The tragedy deeply shook the Smithtown community during what is normally a season of celebration, as neighbors mourn the loss of the Lehmann family members.
