Sacred Heart Mourns Recent Grad Killed By Falling Branch

FAIRFIELD, CT — Sacred Heart University is mourning the death of a recent graduate who was killed by a falling tree branch during Wednesday's storms.

Jarrod Marotto, 21, was driving north in the 3500 block of Park Avenue when a large cottonwood limb that was struck by lightning fell, pulling down electrical wires and hitting Marotto, of Southington.

"Our hearts go out to Jarrod's family and friends and to everyone in the SHU community who knew him. We will be keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers," Sacred Heart President John Petillo stated in a message sent Thursday to university community members.

Marotto graduated from Sacred Heart in May with a bachelor's degree in psychology and was living near campus at the time of the accident, according to Petillo. While attending Sacred Heart, he worked at the student union, participated in Greek life and conducted interviews for Media Matrix, a news program about issues that affect college students and society. Marotto also worked as a personal trainer and camp counselor, according to his Facebook page.

The fatal incident happened at 5:16 p.m., but the presence of downed wires meant rescuers were unable to come to Marotto's aid until 6:10 p.m., when electrical workers cut the power in the area.
Marotto was taken to St. Vincent's Medical Center in Bridgeport, where he died of his injuries. He was the only person in the vehicle when the branch fell.

Marotto is the second driver to die after being hit by a falling limb in the last month in Fairfield. David L. Schmerzler, 54, of Fairfield, was driving northbound June 30 in the 3300 block of Sturges Highway when a large branch from a Sassafras tree fell and struck him. In that case, the limb apparently broke off as a result of strong winds and stormy weather, police stated at the time.