A student and a graduate of the University of New Haven have died after a crash and vehicle fire in New Haven early on the morning of Saturday, April 9.
Emergency crews were called to the intersection of Congress Avenue and College Street in New Haven around 3:30 a.m.
At the scene, police said they found a black Chevrolet Cruz that had hit a tree. The vehicle involved in the crash had heavy damage and was on fire, according to firefighters.
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Firefighters put the vehicle fire out and removed the driver from the vehicle with the Jaws of Life, investigators said.
A passenger who was in the vehicle, later identified as 21-year-old Raymond Rolle, of West Haven, was transported to Yale New Haven Hospital, where he later died, authorities said.
The driver, later identified as a 26-year-old West Haven man, was taken to Bridgeport Hospital to be treated for life-threatening injuries, according to police. The University of New Haven said the man who is injured is a graduate of the school.
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On Monday, police said the driver, Kenu Adderley, 26 of West Haven, succumbed to his injuries at Bridgeport Hospital.
UNH President Steven H. Kaplan released a statement about Rolle's death saying in part, "The death of someone so young with so much potential is a horrific tragedy and an unspeakable loss. As an international student, he showed great dedication in coming to the United States to pursue his most lofty goals and aspirations. I hope that Raymond’s loved ones are able to find some comfort in the memories they have of him."
Rolle's advisor Christopher Martinez, an associate professor of computer engineering, said Rolle was passionate about his studies.
"He was so kindhearted, and he got along with everyone. This semester, he was taking his junior design experience course. He worked so well with his classmates, and he was regularly in the lab on weekends working on his project. He put in a lot of hard work," Martinez said. "The last time I saw him, he was talking about applying for internships and grad school. He had a great deal of potential.”
Grief counseling will be available through the school's counseling and psychological services office. Students can call to make appointments or seek support by calling (203) 932-7333.
The school said it plans to have an on-campus memorial for Rolle and will share details about the arrangements once they are finalized by his family.
The crash remains under investigation.
