Danbury Teen, 16, Who Died Tragically Identified: Report

DANBURY, CT — The Danbury community and beyond are mourning the death of 16-year-old Hailey Nailor, who died Saturday after jumping from the fifth floor of the Danbury Fair Mall parking garage, according to sources.

A source with knowledge of the investigation confirmed to Patch that Hailey Nailor was the person who tragically died Saturday.

Police Det. Lt. Mark Williams said at 1:20 p.m. Saturday officers responded to a check on the wellbeing complaint regarding a teenage female threatening suicide at The Danbury Fair Mall.

"As both Mall Security and police units responded to the area of the parking garage, the area the teen was believed to be, the teen had fallen to her death from atop the mall parking garage. Preliminary information indicates that the teen was alone at the time and that the fall was an intentional act," Williams said in a statement.

Family members have been notified and the incident is currently being reviewed by police investigators.

"While we have nothing further to add at this time, our heartfelt sympathy goes out to all those affected by this tragic incident," Williams said on behalf of the Police Department.

Once the tragic news surfaced in the Danbury community, there were online reports that she may have been bullied but that claim has not been verified by police and or school officials. A source told Patch that investigators are aware of the bullying allegations but stress it has not been verified.

Hailey’s father, Kevin Nailor, told the Danbury News Times that the family is "devastated" by her loss. Kevin Nailor told the News Times that he doesn't believe bullying contributed to his daughter's death. He said his daughter dealt with serious mental health issues including severe anxiety and depression.

Hailey has previously been treated at local hospitals for extended periods of time. She would often make progress and then suffer setbacks and she was recently hospitalized briefly on Friday, her father said.

Friends of Hailey, led by Maria Garcia have organized a candlelight vigil to celebrate her life. The vigil will be held 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16 at the Danbury Fair Mall. Dozens of people say they plan to attend. Garcia suggests that attendees wear white and blue as "those were her favorite colors."

In her social media post, Garcia wrote, Hailey "was a great friend to me and always had my back through everything as well to many others." She added that Hailey was "beautiful, intelligent, caring, loving girl..."

Danbury Superintendent of Schools Dr. Sal Pascarella said on social media that the school will have counselors and support staff on hand for any student who requests help to deal with the tragedy.

"In addition if at any point you feel your child may be having difficulties, please contact their school principal, counselor or social worker for support," the Pascarella wrote on Facebook.

In a letter to parents Monday, Pascarella and Patrick Johnston, Chairman Board of Education released a joint statement.

"Today, across our District we remain focused on working with all of our students and staff who are grieving the recent loss of one of our Danbury High School students. Their safety and security continues to be our primary concern, as we all struggle with this terrible tragedy.

"We are mindful of hurtful comments that continue to circulate on social media that are directed at our schools and other members of our community, and we continue to cooperate with administrators and local authorities to investigate all of the surrounding circumstances.

"The Board of Education remains deeply concerned, and will continue its work with our Superintendent and his team to review the policies and procedures that protect all students in our schools and to insure their effectiveness. Please know that this District remains committed to fostering a positive school environment for all of our students and families. We urge you to contact your school administrator or school support staff if you have concerns or would like additional support," the letter concludes.

>>>Read the full News Times story here.

Photo of Hailey Nalor via Danbury PD from a 2017 missing person alert.