Hamden Student, 12, Mourned; Community Rallies Around Family

HAMDEN, CT — The Dunbar Hill Elementary School community and beyond is mourning the death of a 12-year-old student.

Jay Melton died suddenly in his home on Oct. 15, according to a GoFundMe campaign that was launched on Monday to help the family with funeral expenses. He is survived by his father Greg and sister Jade Melton, according to the GoFundMe page, which was created by family friend Alyssa Figlar.

“Sadly this isn't the first time that this family has been faced with tragedy,” reads a post on the GoFundMe page. “Greg's wife Jodie Melton passed away in December 2019 and he also lost his father and mother in law this year. Greg and Jade are not only recovering from these unspeakable losses but are now facing financial hardship to cover Jay's memorial expenses as well as expenses to cover much needed therapy that they will both need during this difficult time. Please consider donating any amount to help this family who have suffered more than one family does in a lifetime. No amount is too small.

“We want to honor the light that was Jay Melton. A 12 year old boy with a huge heart who loved his family and his friends whose life was cut too short. Thank you all so much.”

The Dunbar Hill PTA is also providing support to the school community.

“Everyone processes grief differently, and we will support our community through this,” officials wrote on the PTA’s Facebook page. “It is with our strong community that we will all get through this together. We need to support one another more than ever.”

The PTA has arranged to have a therapy dog visit the school on Wednesday and Thursday.

The GoFundMe campaign has raised nearly $15,000 within the first 24 hours, as of Tuesday afternoon.

To make a donation, visit the GoFundMe page here.

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