New Canaan High School graduate dies, school community mourns

NEW CANAAN, CT — The community is mourning the “unimaginable loss” of a New Canaan High School student who died over the weekend, district officials said.

In a letter sent to families Sunday, Superintendent Bryan Luizzi described NCHS student Elliott Kropf as “a strong student, an outstanding athlete, a kind young man and a wonderful friend” who is already “sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.”

Further details about Kropf's death were not released by the district.

“Such an unimaginable loss is difficult to process,” Luizzi said in the letter, “and we want to ensure our students, staff and families have access to the support they need during this difficult time.”

In response, classes at the high school were delayed two hours Monday morning to give Kropf's friends time to gather and, if desired, speak with the district's dedicated counselors and staff, Luizzi said.

The district also provided families with a list of helpful resources for children and adults struggling with loss and grief.

Luizzi also noted that counselors will be available throughout the week and encouraged students who need further assistance to contact New Canaan Public Schools.

“My heart breaks for Elliott, his family and all who knew and loved him,” Luizzi said. “Let us all think and pray for them together as we support one another during this difficult time.”