Stratford High School Student Dies, Mourned By Community

STRATFORD, CT — The community is mourning the death of a Stratford High School student.

The Stratford girls swimming team announced in a post on Instagram that Khristina Sinche, who was a sophomore member of the team, had died.

“She made a lasting impact not only in the pool, but also on deck—always encouraging her teammates, cheering them on, and bringing a positive spirit to the team,” the post reads. “Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and teammates during this difficult time. Rest in peace Khristina.”

Sinche had traveled with her family to Colombia to celebrate the New Year, according to a GoFundMe campaign.

“During the trip, she suddenly became seriously ill, and doctors discovered a brain tumor,” a post on the GoFundMe page reads. “She underwent two surgeries in Colombia, and her family made the difficult decision to arrange an air ambulance to bring her to the United States in hopes of finding better medical treatment.”

Upon arriving in New Haven, she was taken immediately to Yale Children’s Hospital.

“Despite the tireless efforts of the medical team, she was declared brain dead,” according to the GoFundMe post. “Khristina was a sweet, loving, and kind-hearted girl, always filled with compassion. In honor of her beautiful spirit and desire to help others, her parents made the incredibly brave decision to donate her organs, allowing multiple families to receive the priceless gift of life.”

The GoFundMe campaign was launched to help with family with the “overwhelming medical expenses, air ambulance costs, and the many financial burdens they now face during this unimaginable time,” the post reads.

The campaign has raised nearly $40,000 as of Monday night.

For more information, or to make a donation, visit the GoFundMe page here.