An American university student has tragically died after choking during a pancake-eating contest last week.
Caitlin Nelson, 20, attended Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut. The sorority sister took part in the competition during the “Greek Life” dinner on March 30 when the tragedy occured.
Nelson lost her dad, James Nelson, in the September 11 terror attacks when she was five years old. He worked for the Port Authority Bus Terminal, and perished while helping people escape from the twenty-seventh floor of one of the World Trade Centre towers.
“Like her father, right up until the end she was giving of herself, and proof of that is her organs are all being donated,” said Robert Egbert, a spokesman for the Port Authority Police Benevolent Association.
“She indicated throughout her life that she was an organ donor. Like her father, who gave everything he possibly could so others could live right up until the end, Caitlin just did the same thing.”
Nelson was studying social work at Sacred Heart, where she attended on a scholarship set up for children of people killed on September 11. In her free time, she volunteered for a non-profit helping people affected by the Sandy Hook mass shooting.
Her family – including mum Roseanne and sister Anne – are now dealing with “unimaginable” grief, a friend who works at the PAPD told the NY Post.
“This is just an incredible shock,’’ the friend said.
“I can’t even speak about what Roseanne and her family are going through right now. It’s just unimaginable.”
A candlelit vigil at the school’s Chapel of the Holy Spirit drew thousands, and tributes for Nelson are flooding social media.
Blessed to be apart of a loving university that comes together so strong ???? rest easy Caitlin Nelson
— ?elena (@HelenaKizildag) April 3, 2017
Rest In Peace Caitlin Nelson?? you’ll be greatly missed within the SHU Community? my thoughts and prayers go out to Kappa Delta sorority??
— Bridget King (@Brii_Kingg) April 3, 2017
Devastating news, our hearts mourn for the Nelson family. RIP Caitlin
— Coach Greg Jones (@shuclubfootball) April 3, 2017
my heart goes out to Kappa Delta as well as Caitlin’s family as they mourn her loss. the entire SHU community is here for you. #weareSHU ??
— Megan Saunders (@megsx11) April 3, 2017
RIP.
Source: Washington Post / NY Daily News.
Photo: Facebook.
