UGA Student Dies After Falling From CT Park Trail

A University of Georgia student who died after falling from a trail while hiking in a Connecticut state park this week has been identified.

The student on Wednesday was identified as William Gatch, 23, of Statesboro, according to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

The accident happened around 11:45 a.m. Monday at Sleeping Giant State Park in Hamden, Connecticut, where Gatch fell from an unmarked trail, officials said.

They added he was found in the woods and pronounced dead at the scene. His death was preliminarily ruled accidental, officials said.

DEEP Environmental Conservation Police is investigating the case in partnership with the State’s Attorney’s Office in New Haven (Connecticut) and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, which will determine the cause and manner of death.

"DEEP extends condolences to William’s family and loved ones at this difficult time," officials said.

According to his obituary, Gatch was hiking with his sister at the time of his death.

He was set to graduate with a bachelor's degree in agricultural education from UGA in the spring. Before college, he graduated from Southeast Bulloch High School in 2021 in Brooklet.

While attending UGA, Gatch was a student-teacher at Madison County High School in Danielsville and kept families informed on their students' achievements with Future Farmers of America, according to his obituary.

"There were many things William loved in life, but the two that encompass it all are his habit of piddling and compassion for others. It was through a combination of these two traits that he chose to study agricultural education– where he could use his tinkering abilities and teach young minds," read his obituary.

Gatch's prior jobs included working at the Shooting Sports Education Center at Georgia Southern University. This is where he realized he desired to work with children, lawn care, dredging and maintenance.

He could "fix anything, especially a two-stroke motor," his obituary read.

Gatch's hobbies included being in nature, "where he felt closest to the Lord," and fishing for largemouth bass in his grandparents' pond.

During his visits back home in Statesboro, Gatch enjoyed being at the Ogeechee River.

"The outdoors was a place that calmed his soul and where he could find peace; a statement that maintains truth even for his final moments. William was and will always be loved; may his memory be a blessing to all. ... The family would like to convey a special thanks to all first responders on the scene for their kindness and dedication to giving care past even the final moments," read his obituary.

The family is asking that memorial contributions be made to the Georgia FFA Foundation, P.O. Box 237, Swainsboro, GA 30401. They requested the memo line specify the donation is being made in Gatch's memory.

Patch has reached out to UGA for comment.