McCarthy Teacher's Son Allegedly Burns Down Family Home

CHELMSFORD, MA - A paralyzed McCarthy Middle School teacher and his wife lost their Greenville, N.H. home in a fire allegedly started by their son, CBS reported.

McCarthy teacher Tom Gallagher, who was the Chelmsford High School lacrosse coach before becoming paralyzed in a 2011 accident, and his wife Annette were at a Manchester Monarchs hockey game Saturday night when a neighbor called and told them their house was on fire, Wicked Local reported.

Gallagher’s beloved service dog Romer was safely staying at his daughter’s house, according to Wicked Local.

The house was completely destroyed and Gallagher’s son James Reardon, 20, was arrested for allegedly starting the fire, CBS reported.

“I’m devastated and I don’t understand. It’s one thing to lose your house, but I feel like I lost my son too,” Annette Gallagher told CBS. Anette told CBS she still loves her son and believes medical attention rather than prision.

Reardon has struggled with depression in the past, according to CBS.

“He’s battling something we don’t know much about and it’s inside,” Tom Gallagher told CBS.

In the few days since the fire the Gallaghers have already raised $38,980 of their $45,000 Kickstarter goal to get themselves back on their feet.

“They literally only have the clothes that they were wearing! Any donations would be greatly appreciated as they go through this difficult time,” according to the Kickstarter page.

Reardon was being held in the Hillsborough County jail without bail and had a court hearing Monday, according to a press statement. The results of the hearing are yet to be released.