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New Canaan boy who died suddenly tested positive for flu

NEW CANAAN — New Canaan health officials said Monday evening the fourth grade West Elementary School student who died suddenly Sunday tested positive for ...

NEW CANAAN -- New Canaan health officials said Monday evening the fourth grade West Elementary School student who died suddenly Sunday tested positive for the flu "type B".

Nico Mallozzi died after reportedly leaving an upstate New York hockey tournament early.

Dr. David Reed with the New Canaan Health Department said, "The boy tested positive for Flu type B as did his brother. I recommended and continue to recommend that people get their flu vaccination as there is a higher than usual number of cases this year. Even if it does not prevent the flu as successfully as in prior years, nonetheless it may mitigate the symptoms and length of illness,"  He went on to say, "I recommended that persons exposed to the victim, particularly team mates, should see their pediatrician."

Dr. Bryan Luizzi, Superintendent of Schools, New Canaan Public Schools, released a statement to parents that said in part:

"It is with a sad heart that I share with you that Nico Mallozzi, fourth grade student at West Elementary School, unexpectedly passed away yesterday morning. At this point, the cause is unknown. Nico was a wonderful, friendly child, known throughout West as the voice of the afternoon announcements that concluded each day. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered."

Mallozzi's hockey team was part of the Connecticut Roughriders hockey club. The organization issued posted the following on their website:

"It is with a heavy heart that the entire CT ROUGHRIDERS organization (players, family, coaches and managers) shares the news of the sudden passing of one of our 07 players, Nico Mallozzi.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Mallozzi family right now.

It is a very sad day for all of us, Nico was a great kid with a great smile and he will be missed greatly.

We will never forget you, Nico."

A GoFundMe page has been set up for Mallozzi.

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