New State Helmet Law Inspired By Ledyard Teen: Report

LEDYARD, CT — A new law is set to go into effect Oct. 1 that will require children 15-years-old or younger to wear helmets while riding a skateboard, inline skating or roller-skating, according to media reports.

According to the New London Day, "Conor's Law" was created after Ledyard mother Holly Irwin's 14-year-old son, Conor, died in late 2016 after falling off his skateboard. Following the tragic event, Irwin became an advocate for a new law regarding helmet use, which was passed by the state legislature in May.

Irwin was present at a skateboard helmet giveaway at the Ledyard Police Department on Monday, where the first of 100 free helmets were donated to local children, according to the New London Day. She said the new law is not jut about keeping children safe, but also enlightening parents about the risk of skateboarding.

According to Fox 61, Conor Irwin fell while riding his skateboard the day after Thanksgiving 2016, banging the back of his head. He passed away 10 days later on Dec. 5.

With the passage of the new law, Connecticut will be one of just three states to pass this type of legislation, Fox 61 reported. The new law's creation was spearheaded by State Senator Cathy Osten.

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