Staff Report / May 10. 2026
A 15-year-old boy who suffered severe burns in a gasoline explosion last month in Ontario County has died from his injuries, according to the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded on April 23 to a residence on Little Church Road in the hamlet of Stanley after reports of a teenage male suffering major burn injuries. Investigators said the teen had poured gasoline onto an outdoor fire pit, causing an explosion that ignited his clothing and body. Authorities reported he suffered partial- and third-degree burns over much of his body.
Emergency responders, including Mercy Flight Central, transported the teen to the ICU Burn Unit at Strong Memorial Hospital, where he remained in critical condition for more than two weeks following the incident. Sheriff David Cirencione previously said the victim’s mother and younger sister rushed to help extinguish the flames before first responders arrived.
The sheriff’s office confirmed the teen died Friday at the hospital as a result of his injuries. Officials also said a 51-year-old woman suffered burns to her arm and foot while attempting to help the boy and was treated at Strong Memorial Hospital.
The Stanley Fire Department, Hall Fire Department, and Stanley-Hall-Gorham Ambulance assisted at the scene. Following an investigation, authorities determined the fire was accidental and not suspicious.
