A Connecticut educator died after a skiing accident at Solitude Mountain Resort in Utah over the weekend, police said.
Daniel Negrelli, 53, of Canton, was found unresponsive Saturday, Feb. 22 after crashing into a tree, according to the Unified Police of Greater Salt Lake.
Ski patrol responded but was unable to save him. Police said he was wearing a helmet and proper gear.
Negrelli was a computer applications instructor at A.I. Prince Technical High School in Hartford, part of the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System. His death has left students and staff mourning.
“Everybody is a little down. I feel it too, but we were talking about him in the library all together,” said Christopher Gomez, a student at Prince Tech.
The school called Negrelli “an exceptional educator and a cherished mentor, colleague, and friend” in a statement. “Dan made a lasting impact both in and out of the classroom, touching the lives of students and staff in countless ways. This is a tremendous loss for our school, and our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who knew him.”
Negrelli led students on hiking trips and was known for his strong connection with the school community.
“The legacy he leaves behind is one of kindness, and I think we’re all going to hear from that and hopefully continue to pay it forward,” said Prince Tech parent Neil Jamieson.
Negrelli was also a longtime ski instructor at Killington Resort in Vermont, where he joined the Mountain Sports team in 1997. The resort described him as “a mentor, leader, and friend.”
“Dan’s love for skiing and teaching was evident in everything he did. He was not only a dedicated instructor but also a passionate supporter of the sport, always willing to share his knowledge and enthusiasm with others. His presence on the mountain will be sorely missed,” Killington Resort said in a statement.
Grief counselors are available at Prince Tech to support students and staff.
