Meriden Mourns Loss Of 18-Year-Old Athlete

MERIDEN, CT — The 18-year-old victim in a Meriden car crash on Sunday was Jaylon Nixon, of Meriden, a member of Southern Connecticut State University's men's swimming and diving team, according to a statement from the university.

"Southern Athletics is devastated to learn of Jaylon's passing," Director of Athletics Jay Moran said. "My heart breaks when a young person loses their life too soon. Our thoughts are with Jaylon's family, his friends and his Owl teammates during this very difficult time."

Police received the call regarding a rollover accident with a possible ejection at 4:02 a.m. Sunday. Police and fire crews responded to Research Parkway just south of Murdock Avenue and found two vehicles with heavy damage, police said.

One driver was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. The other driver died at the scene.

Nixon was a two-sport standout at Maloney High School of Meriden where he competed in football and diving. Upon his graduation, he held every diving record at Maloney and the co-op records with Platt High School, according to the statement from the university.

"Southern Connecticut swimming and diving is very sad to learn of Jaylon's passing," head coach Tim Quill said. "I pray for his family and friends as they deal with his loss. Our hearts and prayers are with the Nixon family as they grieve his tragic passing."

This season, his first as an Owl, Nixon competed in the 1 Meter and 3 Meter diving event against Worcester Polytechnic, Coast Guard and Franklin & Marshall, placing third in both events.

Nixon's family has organized a GoFundMe page in his honor to support scholarships in the sports that he loved, swimming and football.