NEW LONDON, Conn. (WTNH) — An investigation is underway into the death of a 17-year-old girl found unresponsive Saturday in a home in New London.
New London police said D’Nazia “Nay” Uzzle of Groton was found unresponsive in a home near Jefferson Avenue and Buchanan Road around 3 a.m.
The teen was taken to a hospital, where police said she was pronounced dead. A cause of death is still pending, police said.
Two others at the home, a 40-year-old woman and a 19-year-old man, were taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening stab wounds, according to police.
The Connecticut State Police Major Crime Squad, the New London County States Attorney’s Office, and the New London Police Investigative Services Personnel are investigating.
Uzzle was a senior at New London High School’s Multi-Magnet Campus and part of the district’s Arts Magnet Pathway, New London Public Schools confirmed on Monday.
“Our condolences continue to be extended to D’Nazia’s multiple family members, friends, and to
all throughout the region who are impacted by this incredibly sad loss,” Superintendent Dr. Cynthia Ritchie said. “D’Nazia influenced the lives of many. She will forever be a beloved part of the Whaler school community and will be deeply missed.”
Bryan Mahon, principal of New London High School Multi-Magnet Campus, said the community’s support for Uzzle’s family speaks to the kind of person she was.
“The loss of a student’s life is never easy,” Mahon said. “Nay will be remembered as a student excited about the future and readying herself for graduation before her life was tragically cut short.”
A memorial of candles, balloons, and flowers is at the corner of Jefferson Avenue and Buchanan Rd. Milliam Torres, a friend of Uzzle’s family, lit a candle in her memory.
“Even the people she didn’t know, she was always super nice to, she was always so funny, really outgoing,” she said. “Countless parents, people I work with, knew about it. They were also just as affected. On social media, it’s a big thing. Seeing all of the love of her friends that have been showing up, it brought everyone together. All the love that she had, we’re all mourning her loss. She was a beautiful soul.”
School officials said mental health professionals are available to students and staff.
New London Mayor Michael Passero issued the following statement Saturday night:
“My heart goes out to the loved ones of the young lady who has passed away. Our community is grief-stricken at this sudden, tragic loss of a young life. We ask everyone to please respect the family and friends who are grieving. Our school administration is providing counseling to students and staff. We are asking for everyone’s patience and understanding as our investigators help us learn more about this tragedy.”
Anyone with information is asked to call the New London Police Department Detective Division at (860) 447-1481, or anonymous information can be submitted via the New London Tips 411 system.
The video below aired in our 11 p.m. newscast on April 17, 2023.
