The town of West Hartford is mourning the death of a 17-year-old William H. Hall High School student.
Camden Siegal, a senior at Hall, was reportedly caught in crossfire during a shooting in Hartford early Sunday morning, according to the Hartford Police Department.
Officers were patrolling the area around Ann Uccello Street before 2 a.m. and heard gunfire. Responding officers located Siegal in the area of 181 Ann Uccello St. near PeoplesBank Arena, police said.
According to police, he was unresponsive and was transported to local hospital in “extremely critical” condition and was pronounced dead on Tuesday.
Siegal, the son of Elizabeth Fisher and the late Erik Siegal, was an honors student who enjoyed playing soccer and lacrosse, according to his obituary. He earned Central Connecticut Conference All-Academic honors as junior and senior in soccer and as a junior in lacrosse at Hall High School.
According to his family, Camden’s love of sports was “about teamwork, camaraderie and for the love of the game.”
“Camden was the sweetest soul who moved through life with kindness and intention. He loved all animals, but mostly his four dogs and cat. He had the greatest group of friends. His friendships were built on loyalty, trust and countless unforgettable memories. The bond they shared speaks volumes about the young man he was. He made a tremendous impact on his friends and family through everyday kindness, steady support and genuine care,” the obituary says.
The family also spoke about Camden’s relationship with his brother Hayden and how the two “shared a love of friends, sports, hijinks, practical jokes and adventure, but most of all a strong affection for each other.”
“Though Camden’s time with us was far too short, the love he gave and the memories he created will remain in our hearts forever. He was a pride, joy and gift to his mom and his entire community. Camden will be forever loved and missed tremendously,” the obituary says.
“In keeping with Camden’s generous spirit, he gave the gift of life through organ donation. Even in heartbreak, he created hope. Through this final act of kindness, part of Camden will live on.”
A family member who did not wish to speak to The Courant on Wednesday said, “We are going to let the obituary stand as our family statement.”
On Tuesday, Hall High School Principal Sarah Isaacs issued a message to families in the community.
“This loss is both devastating and deeply felt across our school community. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Camden’s family, friends, and all who loved him,” Isaacs said in the statement.
“As a school community, we hold Camden’s family in our hearts and wrap them in our collective care and compassion. As parents and caregivers, there is nothing that can truly prepare you for a tragedy like this. Please know that we are fully committed to supporting your children, our students and one another, each and every day as we navigate and process this grief together. Grief is not linear, and the days and weeks ahead may bring a range of emotions. We will walk alongside our students in whatever ways they need, for as long as they need,” she said.
Police confirm death of West Hartford high school student caught in crossfire in Hartford shooting
According to school officials, counseling will be available for students and faculty at the school throughout the week. There was a planned announcement from Isaac on Wednesday morning “to honor Camden” before schools were canceled due to snow.
“In the coming days, students may struggle with how to cope with such a loss. We have included resources that may be helpful in supporting your child at home. If you need additional guidance or support, please do not hesitate to contact Hall High School,” Isaacs said.
“As we come together to remember and honor Camden, let us continue to support one another with compassion, patience, and understanding. Hall’s strength has always been rooted in our collective care for one another. That care will guide us, and our children through the difficult days ahead,” she added.
West Hartford Superintendent of Schools Paul Vicinus also offered his sympathies in a statement released to the community on Tuesday.
“Our deepest sympathies are extended first and foremost to Camden’s family and loved ones, and also to his close friends, classmates, teachers, and all who knew and cared for him,” Vicinus said.
“As a parent, I cannot begin to imagine the depth of loss the Siegal family is experiencing. On behalf of all of West Hartford Public Schools, I extend our most sincere condolences. Our collective thoughts and prayers remain with the family and all of us who are grieving this tragic loss. As a community, we will continue to lean on one another and remain present for one another in the days ahead,” Vincis added.
Funeral services for the teen will be held on Thursday at 11 a.m. in the Emanuel Synagogue Sanctuary located at 160 Mohegan Dr. in West Hartford. The services will be livestreamed on the synagogue’s website.
The interment will follow at the Emanuel Synagogue Cemetery at 1361 Berlin Turnpike in Wethersfield.
In lieu of flowers, the family is accepting donations to the Camden Siegal Memorial Fund, which will “support academic and sports scholarships for youth in the West Hartford community.”