William Cooper Gatch, Statesboro, Georgia, University of Georgia student falls to his death along unmarked hiking trail at Sleeping Giant State Park in Hamden, Connecticut. Accidental tragedy witnessed by sister, Whitley.
A Georgia college student plummeted to his death while hiking along a trail in Connecticut. The tragedy was witnessed by his sister who had been hiking alongside her brother.
William Cooper Gatch, 23, of Statesboro, Georgia, died on April 6 along an unmarked trail in Sleeping Giant State Park in Hamden.
An obituary stated that he had been hiking with his sister, Whitley, when he suddenly fell.
Hiking trail tragedy deemed to be accidental
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) said in a statement that they received an emergency call around 11.45am that day.
‘The hiker was found in the woods and unfortunately succumbed to his injuries at the scene,’ it read.
The incident was deemed accidental, according to DEEP’s preliminary investigation.
Gatch was a resident of Statesboro, Georgia and an Agriculture Education student at the University of Georgia in Athens.
UGA student was nature and outdoors enthusiast
According to Gatch’s obituary, the 23-year-old was just weeks away from graduation. He spent his final semester student teaching at Madison County High School where he worked with students involved in agricultural programs.
‘There were many things William loved in life, but the two that encompass it all are his habit of piddling and compassion for others,’ it read.
Gatch loved the outdoors and was often found fishing in his grandparents’ pond after a long day at school or work the obit stated.
Family members described him as someone who enjoyed working with his hands and teaching others, often combining those interests in his studies and career path.
Statesboro, Georgia man remembered
According to his LinkedIn profile, Gatch had worked as a landscaper, equipment operator as well as having worked at Home Depot.
Gatch was also a part of the Block and Bridle Club at the University of Georgia. The club held a memorial in his honor on April 8.
Gatch graduated from Southeast Bulloch High School in Bulloch County, Georgia in 2021.
Gatch’s funeral is scheduled for Saturday at 1.30pm. The family has asked those who wish to contribute to donate to the Georgia Future Farmers of America Foundation.
He is survived by his parents, his sister and other family members in Statesboro.
Sleeping Giant State Park is located in Hamden, Connecticut, 20 minutes north of New Haven.
The 1,439-acre park is one of Connecticut’s most popular hiking attractions, according to CT Parks. It boasts scenic views, hiking trails and popular fishing spots.
