Cause Of Death Released For New Canaan Child, 10: UPDATE

NEW CANAAN, CT — Members of the New Canaan community and beyond are mourning the death of 10-year-old Nico Mallozzi, who died suddenly on Sunday. The Connecticut Post reported that Nico became ill Sunday morning after returning from a hockey tournament in Buffalo. He left the hockey tournament early and was rushed to the hospital in upstate New York but doctors couldn't save him.

New Canaan's Health Director, Dr. David Reed, said Nico tested positive for Type B flu, and confirmed Tuesday that the child died as a result of pneumonia brought on by the flu, the Stamford Advocate reports.

Reed urged anyone who was around Nico to see his or her doctor. Reed also urged everyone to get vaccinated.

In an email, Schools Superintendent Bryan Luzzi said via WTNH News 8 that “Nico was a wonderful, friendly child, known throughout West as the voice of the afternoon announcements that concluded each day. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered."

Anyone who wished to mourn the fourth-grader's death was invited to West School Monday.

"The men and women of the NCPD express our deepest condolences to the Mallozzi family with the tragic passing of their son Nico," the New Canaan Police Department said in a statement. "You are in our thoughts and prayers."

Nico played defense for the Connecticut Roughriders hockey club in Norwalk.

The club said in a statement, "It is with a heavy heart that the entire CT ROUGHRIDERS organization (players, family, coaches and managers) shares the news of the sudden passing of one of our 07 players, Nico Mallozzi. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Mallozzi family right now. It is a very sad day for all of us, Nico was a great kid with a great smile and he will be missed greatly. We will never forget you, Nico."

Retired NHL hockey star Martin St. Louis also offered support to the Mallozzi family.

We will continue to update this story.