There was a loss in the Central family on Oct. 23. Jacob Christopher Hatt, 18, of Salem, Connecticut died. 

University officials did not indicate the cause of death. 

“It is with profound sadness that I inform you one of our students has passed away unexpectedly,” President Zulma Toro wrote in an email to all students and faculty. “Jacob Christopher Hatt was an 18-year-old non-resident student here at Central. We are in touch with his family and send condolences on behalf of the entire university.” 

Hatt graduated from East Lyme High School in 2023 and was an active member of the fishing club, according to the obit. 

Hatt was an avid BMX and mountain biker and a Connecticut State BMX Champion, receiving several awards in racing according to the obit. 

The Craig Morehouse Memorial Award was given to Hatt in 2020. The award is granted annually at the State Championship Race to a male BMX rider who shows the most improvement.  

Hatt also received the Connecticut State Science and Engineering Competition, Collins Aerospace Engineering Award, Raytheon Excellence in Engineering Award, and the Samantha Freeman Award for Excellence in Sports Science or Engineering for his6010 PS Two Speed Mechanical BMX Race Gearbox. 

Hatt’s funeral services were private, Toro wrote in the email. 

“Please, keep Jacob’s family in your thoughts during this difficult time,” she wrote.