Hamden Teen Dies after Fall From the Giant

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 . His wake will be Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at , 3105 Whitney Ave.

The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made in Toby's name to , 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.