South Windsor Mourning Former Basketball Standout

SOUTH WINDSOR, CT — Condolences are pouring in to the family of Jeffrey Czapla, a former basketball star at East Catholic and South Windsor high schools who was found dead in a Simsbury park last week.

The body of Czapla, 20, was discovered by hikers in Talcott Mountain State Park Thursday. The office of the chief medical examiner determined he died of "blunt force to the head, extremities and torso," in what has been ruled a suicide.

In 2014, his junior year at East Catholic, Czapla was a major factor in the Eagles' run to the Class M boys basketball state championship. After playing most of the season on the junior varsity squad, he scored 13 points and grabbed nine rebounds in the title game, an 87-60 victory over Weaver at the Mohegan Sun Arena.

He transferred to South Windsor High School for his senior year and was named to the All-Central Connecticut Conference team, averaging more than 10 rebounds per contest.

He also played lacrosse and volleyball during his high school years.

Expressions of sympathy have been posted on various social media sites, as well as the Carmon Community Funeral Homes web site.

Close friend Josh Abernethy wrote on Facebook, "To my best friend in the world and my brother, Jeff I hope you are now at peace and no longer struggling. I miss you, we all miss you, but I know you will be by my side every second of every day for the rest of my life. Travel well my friend, see everything you couldn't see before, and live your life to the fullest without the grips of mental illness dragging you down. Go now, you are free."

Steve Albert addressed Czapla's parents: "Rick and Karen – we are so sorry to hear of your loss, know that there is a community of love and support out here for you and the family. We had the pleasure to get to know Jeff during the Travel Basketball days of Junior High, when my son Jack played along-side the gentle giant. We have such fond memories of those days in the gym watching the boys grow up – Jeff was always the ultimate teammate and warrior out on the court. The memories and friendships from those years will always live on and bring a smile to our faces. You and the family are in our thoughts and prayers."

Bill Nowak wrote, "Here was a kid that could make every teammate feel taller than even he was. A kind, unselfish giant presence. What a joy to play with and to watch play. God has a bigger playbook for you."

His family will receive friends Wednesday from 4-8 p.m. at the Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home, 419 Buckland Rd., South Windsor. A memorial service will be held Thursday at 10 a.m., at the Wapping Community Church, 1790 Ellington Rd., South Windsor. Burial will follow in Wapping Cemetery.

Photo courtesy of Carmon Community Funeral Homes