23-year-old hiker dies after fall from unmarked trail at state park

HAMDEN, Conn. (WFSB/Gray News) - A 23-year-old man died after falling from an unmarked trail at a Connecticut state park.

The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) said it received a call about a hiker who fell from an unmarked trail at Sleeping Giant State Park about 11:45 a.m. Monday.

First responders arrived at the park quickly and found the victim, identified as William Gatch, 23, of Statesboro, Georgia.

Officials said Gatch died at the scene from his injuries.

DEEP Environmental Conservation Police are leading the investigation into the incident and are working with the state’s attorney’s office in New Haven and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to determine the cause of death.

A preliminary investigation has revealed that the death was accidental, officials said.

No further details were released.