West Haven football player dies unexpectedly heading into state championship game
A high school student in West Haven who played for the school’s varsity football team died unexpectedly on Tuesday, school officials announced.
“It is with a heavy heart that I write to inform you of the unexpected and tragic passing of one of our beloved sophomores and a member of the varsity football team,” West Haven High School Principal Dana Paredes wrote in a letter to the school community Tuesday. “This news has deeply impacted our school community, and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.
“He was not only an integral part of our school’s athletic community but also a bright and cherished member of our student body. The loss of such a promising young life is profoundly felt by us all.”
The student has been identified as 15-year-old Christopher Fidalgo-Pugh.
James McCarthy, an assistant coach with the West Haven High School football team, wrote in a post on X that the team will miss Fidalgo-Pugh’s “intensity on the practice field and smile in the hallways.”
“One of the kindest and hardest working young men I have ever had the pleasure of being around,” McCarthy wrote about the sophomore lineman.
West Haven is scheduled to play Staples at 5 p.m. on Saturday for the Class LL football championship at Arute Field at Central Connecticut State University. A moment of silence will take place before the game to honor Fidalgo-Pugh, according to the CIAC.
“The CIAC joins the West Haven High School community in mourning the loss of one of its students,” Glenn Lungarini, CAS-CIAC executive director, said in a statement. “The CIAC extends its deepest condolences to the student’s family and friends and supports the West Haven School community during this challenging time.”
“In consultation with West Haven High School officials and representatives of its football team, West Haven will compete in the CIAC Football Championships on Saturday as scheduled,” Lungarini continued. “A moment of silence to honor the student will take place before the game.”
Paredes added that school officials will have counseling services available to students as they struggle to process the loss.
“Our counseling team is ready to provide a safe space for students to express their feelings and navigate the grieving process,” the principal wrote. “It’s important to recognize that everyone copes with grief differently, and emotions may manifest in various ways. Some students may seek support immediately, while others may need time to process their feelings. We want to assure the school community that counseling services will be available for as long as needed.”
Paredes encouraged parents and guardians to “engage in open conversations with their children about loss” and to reach out to the school’s counseling team if they need any additional support.
“As a community, we stand united in offering comfort and compassion to one another during this challenging time,” Paredes wrote.
