A tragic event unfolded at Haines City High School this past Sunday evening when a 32-year-old man from Brooklyn, New York, suffered severe burns leading to his death the following day. According to a report from the Polk County Sheriff's Office, the man, whose identity has not been disclosed, was found by first responders at around 7:19 pm with burns on approximately 64% of his body.
Responding to a fire alarm at the school, located at 2800 Hornet Drive, Haines City Fire Department and Police discovered the victim lying in an alcove with a gasoline container and lighter found nearby. Sustaining serious burns during the incident that claimed his life, the individual was rushed to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries yesterday afternoon. Detectives from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, alongside the State Fire Marshal’s Office, are looking into the saddened event on the school grounds that happened.
The victim, a graduate of Haines City High School, had leaped over two fences to access the property according to Sheriff Grady Judd. "Detectives determined that the victim got onto the property by jumping over two fences. What his specific intentions were are still unknown, but the investigation is ongoing," Judd explained in a statement obtained by the Polk County Sheriff's Office.
A vehicle at the scene was also tied to the deceased, which was registered to his mother residing in Poinciana. In a conversation with her, the detectives learned that her son was diagnosed with schizophrenia. The detectives found a half-full bottle of liquor and a burnt marijuana cigarette during a search of the vehicle that involved the victim’s adolescence school. Even though the school sustained minimal damage due to the incident, which was promptly repaired by maintenance staff, the loss of life casts a somber shadow over the community.
Polk County Public Schools confirmed that there was negligible property damage and that repairs were completed by yesterday, ensuring that school activities would resume normally. As students were not due back from their break until tomorrow, the tragic incident isn't expected to disrupt their learning, as stated by the school authorities.
