Southampton icon William (Cheese) Ray was being cared for in a Boston hospital yesterday after suffering an aneurysm last weekend.

Family and close friends of Mr. Ray said they had spoken with family members in Boston, and while Mr. Ray was still in a coma after surgery, doctors were ?very optimistic? for his recovery. Mr. Ray is usually a common sight in his horse and buggy along the Southampton roads.

His wife, Josie, was knocked down by a mugger at the Southampton Post Office in February this year. She has been in and out of a coma ever since, and was flown back to the Island in October.

Her mugger, 16-year old Tyone Brangman, was given three years? probation, mostly due to Mr. Ray?s victim impact statement.