Updated: The Southold woman was severely burned in an incident outside Southold High School Thursday evening is in critical condition at Stony Brook University Hospital this morning, a hospital spokesperson said.
The woman, identified by Southold Town Police Lt. James Ginas as Jeanne Caufield, 58, was airlifted to Stony Brook University Hospital in unknown condition. She had no identification papers but appeared to be 40 to 50 years old, he said.
The incident is under investigation by the detective division, Police Chief Martin Flatley said. It does not appear to be criminal in nature, he said.
Police officers responded to a call reporting a person on fire outside the high school at about 6:35 p.m., police said.
Southold varsity boys basketball coach Lucas Grigonis was in the gym with the boys basketball team when he saw flames outside the school, Superintendent David Gamberg said in a phone interview. He saw the flames through the window in the gym.
Grigonis rushed outside to the person’s aid. Students helped the coach put out the flames, Gamberg said.
“We’re still piecing it together,” Gamberg said.
He said the district’s athletic director, who was on the scene, called him immediately.
The superintendent said he has already spoken with leaders of the school’s crisis team and will be meeting with them at 7 a.m. Friday.
“We will have immediately upon the arrival of students counseling for any and all students, coaches and staff who may have been connected in any way with this unfortunate incident,” Gamberg said. “We will provide counseling and support for whatever period of time is appropriate.”
Katharine Schroeder contributed reporting.
Editor’s note: An error in the spelling of the victim’s last name has been corrected after this story was originally published.
