College Student From West Haven Killed In New Haven Car Fire: Report

NEW HAVEN, CT — Raymond Rolle, 21, of West Haven, was killed in a car fire in New Haven Saturday morning, WTNH News 8 reported.

The car fire was reported just after 3:30 a.m. Saturday at the intersection of Congress Avenue and College Street, News 8 reported.

Rolle was a passenger in a vehicle that crashed into a tree, and it later caught on fire, WTNH reported. The driver, who was not identified, was hospitalized with serious injuries, News 8 reported.

The University of New Haven released a statement on its website stating that Rolle was a student, and they also indicated that the driver was a student too. (See below for more of the university's statement).

>>>Read more at News 8.

Ophelie Rowe-Allen, Ed.D., Dean of Students at the University of New Haven, released a statement on the college's website:

He wrote, "I am writing with a very heavy heart to inform you of the passing of Raymond Rolle, a computer engineering major in our Class of 2022 and an active member of the University’s TEDx Club. A native of the Bahamas, he died earlier this morning in a motor vehicle accident in the New Haven area..."

Raymond’s adviser Christopher Martinez, associate professor of computer engineering, said in a statement on the college's website that "Raymond was great to have in class and that he was passionate about his studies."

"He was so kindhearted, and he got along with everyone," Martinez wrote in a statement. "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. The last time I saw him, he was talking about applying for internships and grad school. He had a great deal of potential.”

“I am heartbroken for Raymond’s parents, his family, friends, and professors,” added President Steven H. Kaplan in a statement. “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....

Grief counseling is being made available.

>>>Read more at the University of New Haven website.