University Student Dies in Tragic Hiking Accident at Sleeping Giant State Park
A 23-year-old university student has tragically died following a horrific fall during a hiking trip with his sister at Sleeping Giant State Park in Connecticut.
William Cooper Gatch was trekking along an unmarked trail in the park on Monday, April 6, 2026, when he suddenly plunged to the ground. The incident occurred while he was hiking with his sister, Whitley, according to reports.
Emergency Response and Investigation
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) confirmed that they received an emergency call at approximately 11:45 am that day regarding a hiker who had fallen from an unmarked trail.
A DEEP spokesperson stated: "Emergency response resources were sent to the State Park and located a 23-year-old male who sustained injuries as a result of this fall. The hiker was found in the woods and unfortunately succumbed to his injuries at the scene."
DEEP Environmental Conservation Police are leading the investigation into the incident, working with the State's Attorney's Office in New Haven and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Preliminary investigation indicates that the fatality was accidental.
Tributes and Legacy
Lifelong friends have flooded social media with heartfelt tributes to Gatch, remembering him as a kind and helpful individual.
One friend wrote: "He didn't have a bad bone in his body. He didn't know how to not help others. That was his love language. He would stop anything he was doing to be a help to you or a stranger."
Another added: "He was a consistent presence, always the same. He had a way about him that you always knew he was there." A third remarked: "He was a joy to know."
Park Information and Family
Sleeping Giant State Park is situated in Hamden, Connecticut, just 20 minutes north of New Haven. The 1,439-acre park is a popular hiking destination known for its breathtaking views, scenic trails, and fishing spots.
While the reason for the siblings' hike remains unclear, Whitley studies nearby at Yale University. Gatch is survived by his parents, Jason and Delena Gatch, his sister Whitley, and his grandmother, Janice Cowart.
The DEEP expressed condolences to the family and thanked the Hamden Police Department, Hamden Fire Department, and EMS services from American Medical Response for their assistance with the incident.
