Neighbors placed flowers on the lawn outside of the one-story ranch house on Gabon Lane that Reza Abedi shared with his wife; a token of respect upon learning of his death. Mr. Abedi was listed in critical condition at the medical center after sustaining burns during a house fire Tuesday afternoon.
Family members declined to comment about the incident when approached by a reporter Thursday.
Maria Henning, a neighbor who lives a few doors down from the Abedis, said she was shocked to learn of his death. Ms. Henning described her neighbor as an animal lover, whose Pomeranian dogs meant the world to him.
"He was the nicest guy," she said, her voice cracking from trying to stifle her emotion.
Neighbors notified police about the smoke through the 911 call system at about 4 p.m. Tuesday. When an officer from the Sixth Precinct arrived shortly after, Mr. Abedi's home was on fire and he was lying in the backyard with burns on his body.
Mr. Abedi was given first aid at the scene and then transported by Coram Fire Department ambulance to the Burn Center at Stony Brook University Medical Center for treatment.
The cause and origin of the fire is still being investigated by the Arson Squad, according to police.
Ms. Henning said she learned of the death from Mr. Abedi's father-in-law who had returned to the home to retrieve the couple's wedding bands, which were left inside the home in the fire's aftermath. Ms. Henning said her heart goes out to Mr. Abedi's father-in-law and his family.
"Now he has to deal with the consequences that this will have for his daughter," she said.
peggy@northshoresun.com