Jeremy Andrew Worrell, 35, of Crested Butte, Colorado, died tragically in a skydiving accident on April 1.  He was born in New Haven on March 21, 1977, son of Gil and Louise Worrell of Killingworth. He was also the beloved grandson of Mary Dangelo of Narragansett, Rhode Island, and the late Andrew Dangelo. Raised in Killingworth, Jeremy graduated in the class of 1995 from Haddam-Killingworth High School and received his bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth. 

Jeremy was a member of the Cougar Aquatic Swim Team, was captain of the HK High School swim team, and he swam at UMASS.  He was also a lifeguard at HKHS and at Hammonasset State Park. In addition, Jeremy was an exchange student at Camp Hazen, which opened up the door to his worldly travels that included places such as Europe and Hawaii, as well as throughout North America.

Jeremy loved the environment. He was kind, had a big heart, and he was a loyal friend, respectful, sensitive and compassionate. Jeremy was non-judgmental, a free spirit who lived to the beat of his own drum.  He lived his life his way and to the fullest. Jeremy did what we all wish we could do.

Jeremy loved camping, extreme skiing, backcountry skiing, and hiking through his beautiful Colorado Mountains.  His claim to fame in Crested Butte is that he skied for 53 consecutive months, sometimes hiking very far to find the right patch to ski.  He also participated in the X-Games at Crested Butte Mountain. 

Jeremy was an avid fan of the New York Yankees. He had also worked in Crested Butte as a bartender at the Ginger Café, as a landscape designer at the Rocky Mountain Tree Company, and as a ski instructor at Crested Butte Mountain.

Besides his parents and grandmother, he is survived by several loving aunts, uncles, and cousins, and by his extended family, the Gannon’s, who loved him as one of their own. He is also survived by his many friends from Connecticut to Colorado and around the world, and by his beloved dog, Kucha.  He was predeceased by a cousin, Brian Walston.    

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, April 5, at 2 p.m., at the First Congregational Church, 122 Broad St., Guilford, followed by a reception in the Fellowship Hall.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Adaptive Sports Center of Crested Butte.  To donate, go to their webpage (http://www.adaptivesports.org), hit the donate button, and in the “purpose” section write, “Jeremy Worrell.” Or, one may call directly (970-349-5075) and ask to speak with Emily or Megan, both of whom knew Jeremy, and ask to donate in his name.  Donations in his memory may also be made to the Jeremy Worrell Campership Fund, c/o Camp Hazen YMCA, 204 West Main St., Chester, CT 06412. The Guilford Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. To share a memory or leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.GuilfordFuneralHome.com.