There is a grief that is all consuming, deep in your very core, when an unexpected tragedy occurs, especially when it happens to someone you love. When unexpected tragedy strikes, it can produce an array of painful emotions. We are deeply saddened, and even angered, by senseless loss. But, what happens if tragedy strikes twice? Is life worth carrying on when grief and the fear of it happening yet again evokes an endless sorrow?
Caitlin had her entire life ahead of her, full of promise and potential, inspired by her father’s premature death to give back to those in need. However, Caitlin’s dreams would abruptly come to a similar end, by an unimaginable and unlikely source.
A Hero Father
Caitlin, at 5 years old, barely started kindergarten when her dad, a Port Authority hero cop, died from the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Caitlin’s father James was one of 37 officers from the bi-state agency killed on that tragic day. Like many first responders that day, James was helping to evacuate people.
Life Is A Blessing
James was on the 27th floor of one of the towers when the building collapsed. But, his legacy lived on through his daughter’s dedication to encourage others to help those in need. In the 16 years Caitlin grew up without her father, she learned at a young age that every moment alive is nothing short of a blessing.
A Grieving Widow
Growing up in a quaint town in Connecticut, Caitlin’s happy life had quickly changed into tragedy the day her father died from the attacks. The loss caused irreparable damage for her mother Rosanne who could not come to terms with her husband’s sudden death. However, her mother knew she had to build up the courage and strength to learn to live with his absence no matter how impossible it seemed at the time.
A Life Worth Living
Caitlin’s infectious smile and bright personality worked as a natural healing force in her mother’s life. Experiencing each moment in life with Caitlin had shown her mother that life was worth living again. But, sadly, it would be in her mother’s destiny for tragedy to strike again…
Following Her Dad’s Footsteps
Caitlin, a junior at Sacred Heart University had been studying social work as a sorority member of Kappa Delta. Although she had been only a small child when she lost her beloved father, Caitlin was inspired to continue in his footsteps by showing and endless show of love and compassion. She felt that it was her calling to spend it volunteering and aiding those who were also coping with trauma and loss in their lives.
Love Of Volunteering
The compassionate 20 year old was a certified youth mental health counselor and volunteered at the Resiliency Center of Newtown, Conn. This nonprofit organization was developed to help those affected by the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting. Witnessing the detrimental effects of loss herself, Caitlin put her heart and soul into working with kids impacted by the shooting.
A Shining Star
“She was a shining star,” says Caitlin’s best friend, Cinque. “It was a different tragedy, but Caitlin was able to relate and help others heal. “There wasn’t anyone more selfless than her. She always had a smile, always there for the kids no matter what you asked of her she would do it and she did it with such grace and such love.”
Sorority Life
Active in sorority life, Caitlin Nelson enjoyed participating in the endless fun activities centered around Greek life. On a weekly basis, the sorority sisters planned and organized various events on and off campus. The Pancake Eating Contest is a far cry from the current hysteria around college hazing parties and seemed like innocent fun, however, it would prove to be just as dangerous.
Greek Week Celebration
All the members of the Kappa Delta sorority had been waiting months for the upcoming Sacred Heart University’s Greek Week celebration. On March 30th, an on-campus, school sanctioned pancake eating contest for charity was taking place. Members were expected to stuff their faces with as many pancakes as they could in a short period of time.
Pancake Eating Contest
When the time had come for the contest to begin, the scene was hilarious as the crowd cheered on. And as the contestants forcefully and rapidly shoved the pancakes down their throats, something went terribly wrong. After consuming four to five pancakes, Caitlin started to shake uncontrollably and then she fell onto the ground.
The Struggle
Two nursing students who were in attendance, saw from a few feet away that Caitlin was clearly struggling to breathe with the pancakes that had piled up in her throat. Both nurses ran over to Caitlin and attempted lifesaving measures. Caitlin’s body lay on the ground trembling, as the nurses attempted to help her from choking. Within a few minutes, Fairfield Police and paramedics arrived.
A Lieutenant Arrives
“There was a lieutenant there in two minutes,” a police source said. “He ran across campus to try to help her. They couldn’t get the airway open.” The lieutenant, Robert Kalamaras, 42, happened to be working as a rotating officer assigned to campus duty during a 12-hour tour that night.
A Failed Attempt
Kalamaras, along with Sgt. Mike Paris, 34, and Officer Paul Medvegy, 46, tried the Heimlich maneuver on the unconscious and unresponsive Caitlin. “We did what we could until paramedics arrived,” Kalamaras said. “It’s difficult, it’s intense and it’s tragic for the family, and of course for the entire Sacred Heart community. It’s difficult to go and face the parent and tell them what happened.”
Tragedy Strikes
Responding officers described finding a mass of pancake paste ‘like concrete’ in Caitlin’s airway, which was impossible to dislodge. Caitlin was rushed to a local hospital then transferred to New York’s Columbia University Medical Center. “The lack of oxygen for that extended period of time caused irreversible damage, making it not survivable,” according to Fairfield Police Chief Gary MacNamara. After a few days in intensive care, Caitlin lost her battle to live, dying surrounded by her family.
Her Final Act Of Kindness
Even when she was no longer alive, Caitlin’s natural eagerness to better humanity in some way would live on in her final good deed. As an organ donor, Caitlin gave life to others when hers could not be saved. “That’s exactly what Caitlin would have wanted, that’s just the type of selfless person she was,” said close friend Stephanie Cinque. “She was a beautiful human being.”
Candlelight Vigil
Thousands of students and faculty attended the candlelight vigil for Caitlin was held on the Sacred Heart campus on April 2, 2017. One heartfelt post described the wonderful person she was: “Caitlyn Nelson and I were childhood friends growing up … she was the absolute sweetest girl I knew, who didn’t have a mean bone in her body. Growing up she always had a smile on her face and was always so happy. She will now always be in my prayers and I will miss her greatly … rest in peace Caitlyn,” wrote one poster.
The Lawsuit
Caitlin’s mother has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the university. The lawsuit seeks an undisclosed amount of money and accuses the school of approving the contest despite the dangers. And lastly, for the school’s failing to provide adequate medical personnel on site.
Preventing Anymore Senseless Deaths
According to lawyers, Caitlin’s family is bringing this case to expose the dangers associated with amateur eating contests and to help prevent other families from having to endure this type of preventable tragedy. “These contests are significantly more dangerous than people realize and it’s critically important for the public, especially educational institutions to understand that certain foods are safer than others and a modicum of forethought can literally save lives.”
What Happened To The Lawsuit?
The lawsuit claims that Sacred Heart not only approved the contest and the use of pancakes, which the complaint says is a particularly dangerous food to eat quickly, but it also failed to have medical personnel onsite in the event a student started choking. The lawsuit still is being litigated. However, Caitlin’s fatal situation has sadly influenced other Greek organizations across the country to reevaluate their creation of contests that may ultimately cause injury or death.
Caitlin’s Legacy Lives On
Caitlin’s Kappa Delta sorority sisters have created a custom charity bracelet for sale in her honor, although the group has not commented on the tragic event. The bracelet, designed in conjunction with Caitlin’s family, features emerald green beads with the words “Caitlin Gives.” Caitlin was the vice president of community service for the sorority and 50 percent of the proceeds will go towards the sorority’s ShamROCK the Runway charity fundraiser, helping her legacy live on..
