College Student Dies After Choking During Eating Contest In Fairfield: UPDATE

FAIRFIELD, CT — The Sacred Heart University community is mourning the loss of a student who has died after a tragic choking incident during a pancake-eating contest on campus late last week.

The student, identified as Caitlin Nelson, 20, of Clark, New Jersey, in multiple reports and by the archdiocese, is also the daughter of the 9/11 Port Authority victim James Nelson, whom the James Nelson Memorial Park is named after in Clark.

A candlelight vigil was held on the Sacred Heart campus on Sunday night.

“We. Are. SHU,” was posted on the university’s Facebook page, along with a photo of the vigil, late Sunday night.

According to the Connecticut Post, she was rushed to the hospital late Thursday night after she began to shake uncontrollably and fell to the floor after eating four to five pancakes during the Greek life event.

The Post reports a nursing student began CPR until police arrived and food had to be physically removed from the student’s throat after the Heimlich maneuver was unsuccessful.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Caitlin Nelson and the entire @sacredheartuniv community tonight,” the Bridgeport Diocese said in a post on Twitter late Sunday night.

Hundreds of tributes and condolences for Nelson, of New Jersey, have been posted to the Sacred Heart University Facebook page.

“Heaven got another angel and we are sad beyond belief for Caitlin's family,” wrote a user identified as Lori Bohling, a New Jersey resident. “No family should have to endure the loss of a child ever and they already lost her dad on 9/11, it's heart wrenching. Our hearts are broken for our SHU FAMILY, our daughters friends in KD with Caitlin, the professors, the administration and our amazing SHU leadership and all you touched her at SHU. We send love and hugs and prayers to the entire SHU family near and far. Peace and comfort be with you all.”

Another user, identified as Shar Mills, wrote: “Absolutely heartbroken. Caitlin was an amazing young lady. I am honored to have had her as a student.”

Clark, N.J., members are also sharing their condolences on a Facebook community group.

"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," said one poster.

"This Is Beyond A Tragedy ... What A Beautiful Young Lady Taken To Soon .... May She Rest In Peace," said another poster.

Her father, James Nelson, was killed at the age of 40 during the Sept. 11 attacks. He died while working at the scene to save others when the towers collapsed. He was the only Clark resident lost on Sept. 11.

Bishop Frank J. Caggiano, of the Diocese of Bridgeport, said he was “deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Caitlin Nelson, a young student at Sacred Heart University,” in a post on Facebook.

“While on Campus last week for their Bergoglio Lecture Series, I was greatly moved by the warmth of the Sacred Heart community, most especially their interest in faith and concern for one another,” Caggiano wrote in the post. “I wish to convey my deepest sympathies to Caitlin’s family, friends, and to the Sacred Heart community. In this time of sorrow, please join me in praying for the repose of Caitlin’s soul, the consolation her family, and all the many people she touched throughout her life at Sacred Heart and beyond.

“As we mourn Caitlin’s passing, we draw from yesterday’s powerful scripture, containing the shortest verse in the Gospel: ‘And Jesus wept.’ Even Christ the Lord felt the immense sorrow of losing a loved one. Jesus knows the heartbreak we feel at the loss of Caitlin, and it is precisely during these times of mourning and loss where He is closest to us. We ask Him to welcome Caitlin into the glory of eternal life with the loving embrace that only He is capable of.”

With reporting by Alexis Tarrazi (Patch Staff)

Photo via Sacred Heart University on Facebook