Wallingford Resident Dies Suddenly At Norwich University

WALLINGFORD, CT — The Norwich University community and beyond is mourning the sudden death of Wallingford’s Jeet Patel, a 2018 Sheehan High School graduate.

“Our hearts are broken by the untimely death of our beloved student, Jeet Patel, who died suddenly and unexpectedly this morning,” Norwich University President Mark C. Anarumo wrote in a message to the school community Sunday.

Patel, 21, was a junior in the Class of 2022 Corps of Cadets at Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont. Norwich University is the country's oldest private military college and birthplace of the ROTC program.

Patel was majoring in criminal justice, played tuba and served as 1st Sergeant of Band Company. He planned to serve as a company commander next year, according to Anarumo.

“The Counseling Center staff is aware and on standby for anyone who needs counseling services,” Anarumo wrote. “Students have all been informed about the availability of Reverend Wick, our campus chaplain, and the counselors.”

Students gathered for a service in the school’s chapel on Sunday.

“We ask for privacy and respect for our community and for Jeet’s family, as we mourn this tremendous loss and work to understand the cause,” Anarumo wrote. “Our deepest sympathy goes out to Jeet’s family, friends and professors.”

Patel was a member of the track and field team while at Sheehan.

“Jeet was a successful thrower on the Track & Field Team, a great student, an accomplished musician, and a better person,” Sheehan Athletics wrote in a post on Twitter. “Condolences to the Patel family from your Titan family.”