Death of 17-year-old New London man remains under investigation
New London — New London High School observed a moment of silence on Wednesday morning and has counselors available to students grieving the death of 17-year-old Luis Roman, a former student at the school.
Roman was found unresponsive in his family home in New London late Monday. He was transported to Lawrence + Memorial Hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after his arrival. The cause of his death is “pending further study,” according to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
Roman, who acquaintances said was an employee at Neon Chicken, started as a student at New London Adult and Continuing Education in January and was on track to receive a high school diploma in June.
“This is so terribly tragic,” said María A. Pukas, director of New London Adult and Continuing Education. “He was a bright, respectful and quiet young man enrolled in our high school credit diploma program.”
In a recent English composition assignment, Pukas said Roman wrote, “I’m not entirely sure what I want to do after school, but if I had to pick something professional, I’d say I like to be a veterinarian because I just have a soft spot for animals.”
His teachers remember him fondly, Pukas said, and everyone is saddened by his death.
“This is such a tragic loss of a young man who showed so much potential. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family,” Pukas said.
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