Stamford Teen Killed In Crash Remembered For Smile, Loving Nature

STAMFORD, CT — A roadside memorial has been built on Lockwood Avenue in Stamford in honor of Connor Wilcox, the 17-year-old Stamford High School student who was killed in a motorcycle crash on May 17.

The memorial was erected on a utility pole near the intersection with William Street. It features photos of Wilcox, candles, balloons, stuffed animals, and messages written on paper posted to the pole and in chalk on the sidewalk.

Wilcox is being remembered for his blue eyes, smile and loving nature toward others, according to his obituary.

"His passing leaves a gaping hole in the fabric of our family, Connor's charm and ability to make us smile with his comedic personality is irreplaceable. He made friends everywhere he went," his obituary said, noting friendships he made in his neighborhood, at Rogers International School and SHS.

Wilcox is survived by his parents, William and Tara Wilcox, his two brothers, Liam and Eamon, and his extended family, according to his obituary.

Several of Wilcox's friends stopped by the memorial Tuesday afternoon.

"He went out of his way for a lot of people, and he didn't have to do that; he was very unique," said Chris, a junior at SHS.

"He was a sweet kid," added Steven. "He had a unique laugh. You could recognize it from down the hall."

Stamford police said the crash unfolded at approximately 9:13 p.m., on May 17 when a 2020 Kawasaki motorcycle, driven by Wilcox, was headed northbound on Lockwood Avenue, and a 2011 Toyota Corolla, driven by a 58-year-old Stamford resident, was headed south.

At the intersection of Lockwood Avenue and William Street, the Toyota tried to make a left turn and entered the path of the motorcycle, police added. The motorcycle tried to stop but couldn't, and struck the front end of the Toyota.

Wilcox was taken to Stamford Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The driver of the Toyota remained at the scene and cooperated with the investigation, police said.

Superintendent of Stamford Public Schools Dr. Tamu Lucero sent a letter to district families the day after the crash.

"By now, many of you may be aware that a Stamford Public Schools high school student died last night as the result of a motor vehicle accident in Stamford. The pain of this tragedy is compounded by the fact that the student’s mother is a beloved teacher in our district," Lucero said. "Losing a child is every family's worst nightmare, and we are heartbroken for this student's parents, siblings, extended family, and friends."

The school district made social workers and other mental health professionals available for students and staff at the beginning of this week.

Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons on Monday issued a statement on Wilcox's death.

"Our Stamford community is heartbroken by the tragic loss of one of our Stamford High School students," Simmons said. "My thoughts and prayers are with the student’s family and friends during this time of unimaginable grief. My office will continue to work closely with the Superintendent’s office to ensure grief and crisis response resources are available to support students and faculty as they navigate this challenging news."

An investigation remains open, and anyone with more information is being asked to contact the Stamford Police Department's Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Squad at 203-977-4712

This crash is being investigated by Sgt. Ryan McAllister and officer Lindsey Yanicky.

Read Wilcox's full obituary.