Camden Siegal, West Hartford, Connecticut teen dies after struck by stray bullet waiting for Uber ride home. Honor roll student’s death comes after recent podcast post he made reflecting on gun violence following a recent mass shooting.
A Connecticut teen has died after he was struck by a stray bullet as he went to get into an Uber over the weekend following a night out.
Camden Siegal, 17, of West Hartford passed away two days after he was critically injured after being caught in the crossfire of a nearby shooting while waiting for an Uber to pick him up from a downtown Hartford bar, early Sunday morning.
A second victim, a man in his 20s, was also shot and hospitalized in critical but stable condition, according to the Hartford Police Department. It’s unclear if he was the intended target or another innocent bystander.
Caught in the crossfire of gun violence
The double shooting took place just on 1:49 a.m. at Hartford’s Ann Uccello Street near the PeoplesBank Arena in the city.
Camden, a senior at Hall High School in West Hartford, was set to graduate in early June. He was enjoying a night out with friends when he was gunned down, the victim’s family told WFSB.
‘Camden was the sweetest soul who moved through life with kindness and intention. He loved all animals, but mostly his four dogs and cat. He had the greatest group of friends. His friendships were built on loyalty, trust and countless unforgettable memories. The bond they shared speaks volumes about the young man he was. He made a tremendous impact on his friends and family through everyday kindness, steady support and genuine care,’ his family wrote in a statement.
‘Though Camden’s time with us was far too short, the love he gave and the memories he created will remain in our hearts forever. He was a pride, joy and gift to his mom and his entire community. Camden will be forever loved and missed tremendously.’
Ironic death comes after recent podcast commenting on gun violence in mass shootings
Camden, a consistent honor roll student, thrived in athletics with a particular aptitude for lacrosse and soccer, his family said.
Ironically the senior’s death comes after sharing a brief podcast reflecting on gun violence following the Bondi Beach shooting for his school newspaper where he served as an editor.
‘With antisemitic attacks like these, and school shootings on the rise, gun restriction laws remain the same. Therefore, there stands a question. How do we stop innocent human beings from being gunned down?’ he said in the clip.
Camden’s funeral will be held on Thursday. His family established a memorial fund in his name, which will go towards ‘academic and sports scholarships for youth in the West Hartford community.’
Services will be held at The Emanuel Synagogue, 160 Mohegan Drive, on Thursday, Feb. 26, beginning at 11 a.m. The service is open to all who wish to attend, and Rabbi David Small will officiate.
Cops are now investigating the incident as a homicide. To date no arrests have been made.
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call the Hartford Police Tip Line at 860-722-TIPS (8477).
