Connecticut Gymnast Dies Following a Tragic Accident at SCSU

A former stand out High School gymnast died Sunday after a tragic accident that occurred during a practice at Southern Connecticut State University.

Melanie Coleman, a 20-year-old junior nursing student at Southern Connecticut State University and member of the schools gymnastics team, reportedly suffered a spinal cord injury while practicing on the bars on Friday.

According to ctpost.com, officials at Southern Connecticut State University confirmed Coleman’s death in a statement released Sunday. The statement said that Melanie had died from her injuries at Yale New Haven Hospital. Southern Connecticut State University's President Joe Bertolino also issued a statements on Melanie's passing:

Her coaches and professors describe Melanie as a special young woman, who excelled both in the classroom and in the gym, Our deepest sympathies are extended to her family and friends on this tragic loss.

Coleman leaves behind four other siblings. Her older sisters Valerie and Tiffany are both nurses. Melanie's goal was to follow in their footsteps and become a nurse, a profession she loved.

Coleman was a 2017 graduate of Johnathan Law High School, was captain of the gymnastic's team and an all-state gymnast. She was described by her friends on social media as “really smart.”

In the wake of Melanie's passing, Southern Connecticut State University is offering free and confidential counseling services by visiting: www.southernct.edu/counseling . Also any student needing support may also seek out residence life staff or the Dean of Students’ office.

A GoFundMe page was set-up for the family, and as of early Monday $22,599 was donated.

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