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Hamden Teen Dies after Fall From the Giant

Eighteen-year-old fell 200 feet from a cliff at the park Sunday evening, according to police.

 

 

On his Facebook page, Tobias Engel, known as Toby, lists only hiking under "Activities."

And it was hiking that led to the death of the 18-year-old Hamden High School senior on Sunday.

Engel, who lived on Douglas Drive, died after he fell 200 feet off a cliff at Sleeping Giant State Park Sunday.

At about 5 p.m. Sunday the Hamden Fire Department responded to the park on reports of a fallen hiker. Visitors at the park were able to direct emergency workers to the spot where Engel fell and they were able to reach him fairly quickly.

They took him out of the park on an ATV and he was rushed to Yale-New Haven Hospital, where he died.

Engel was a senior at Hamden High School, where he was scheduled to graduate in June. School officials said Monday that grief counselors will be available to any student who needs them.

Engel was the son of Quinnipiac University professor Leonard Engel and Moira McCloskey. He also leaves brothers Leonard Jr. and Thomas and sisters Tessa Engel, Melissa Shaw and Kristin Muratori.

Quinnipiac University issued the following statement:

"The university community was saddened to learn of the death of Tobias Engel, the son of Professor Len Engel, following a fall Sunday at Sleeping Giant State Park. Our condolences go out to Professor Engel and his family during this very difficult time." 

The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is in charge of the investigation. Both Police Chief Tom Wydra and Fire Chief Dave Berardesca said Monday that they had no information as to the circumstances that led to Engel's death.

Engel's funeral will take place Thursday at 10 a.m. at St. Joan of Arc. His wake will be Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Sisk Brothers Funeral Home, 3105 Whitney Ave.

The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made in Toby's name to St. Ann's Soup Kitchen, 930 Dixwell Ave., Hamden, 06514, or to Catholic Relief Services, P.O. Box 17152, Baltimore, MD., 21298-8452 or to Food for the Poor, Inc. P.O. Box 979004, Coconut Creek, FL. 33097-9004.

Related Topics: Hamden Fire and Sleeping Giant

Linda Ingmanson

8:12 pm on Monday, February 6, 2012

So sad -- my heart goes out to the family.

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Marty

12:20 am on Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Absolutely terrible. His poor parents.

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Steve

7:08 am on Tuesday, February 7, 2012

OMG no parent should bury their children. I know I lost my son at 2 . Such an empty feeling and a pain that will never ever go away. I feel for the Mother the most. As far as the safety of sleeping giant. It is a very well marked area and trail system. accidents happen and no matter what you do, there always will be danger. That is the excitement of it. Air travel is the safest yet crashes happen to the full extent of a tragedy. All you can do is minimize the chances. God be with all and expecially the Engel family.

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Chineer nelson

12:53 pm on Tuesday, February 7, 2012

My prayers and sympathy goes out to the family. I mourn with you,as it is never easy to lose a loved one

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Ellen Nosel

10:10 pm on Tuesday, February 7, 2012

This is tragic. I have a son the same age, and I can't imagine losing him this way. His family's grief must be unimaginable.

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