A 15-year-old Hamden boy died in a car accident Thursday morning on Dixwell Avenue in Hamden, police said.
Hamden High School Principal Gary Highsmith identified the teen as Tyseem Troutman, a sophomore who was on the football team. He said the teen had just transferred to Hamden High School from North Carolina. Thursday, Hamden’s football coach had the tough task of telling players one of their own was gone.
“Coach spoke to us after practice,” said Hamden football player Lonnie Numan. “He was saying how we have to pull together as a team because, it’s sad, he was young, he just got here.”
“His locker was right next to mine,” said teammate Austin Banks, who described Troutman as a quiet kid who kept to himself.
Principal Highsmith had been in touch with Troutman’s family members Thursday and said they were holding up as well as they can
“We miss him. Even though he hasn’t been here much, he became an instant member of our school community so we still miss him as if he were here for four years,” said Principal Highsmith.
Highsmith learned through the family that Troutman was in the car with his uncle heading to grab a bite to eat when the unthinkable happened.
Police said two cars collided. The drivers of both vehicles were injured. Troutman was pronounced dead shortly after being transported to the hospital.
Highsmith said Troutman is the second student to die in a car accident within the last week. Grief counselors will be available at the school to help students cope.