A 10-year-old New Canaan boy who died suddenly over the weekend had the flu, according to the medical examiner in Buffalo, New York.
Nico Mallozzi was a fourth-grade student at West Elementary School in New Canaan, according to a statement from the superintendent of schools in New Canaan, Bryan Luizzi.
The Stamford Advocate reports that Mallozzi died after becoming ill while returning from a hockey tournament, which Mallozzi's hockey club said was in Buffalo, New York.
An autopsy revealed that Mallozzi had the flu, type B, and it got worse, leading to pneumonia, then to sepsis, according to the medical examiner's office in Buffalo, New York.
Mallozzi played for the Connecticut Rough Riders Hockey Club and the club posted a message on its website, offering prayers for Mallozzi’s family.
“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.
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“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,” the message says.
Following is the full message from Superintendent Luizzi:
"It is with a sad heart that I share with you that Nico Mallozzi, fourth grade student at West, unexpectedly passed away this 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.
"You are welcome to join us at West on Monday morning between 10:00 - 12:00 to be together in love and support.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Nico’s parents and his family, and we stand ready to support each of them in every way possible in the time ahead.
"I know you join me in keeping them in our hearts."
New Canaan Police Tweeted a message of condolence as well.
"The men and women of the NCPD express our deepest condolences to the Mallozzi family with the tragic passing of their son Nico. You are in our thoughts and prayers," New Canaan police wrote.
