UConn student, 19, dies on first day of classes

STORRS >> A University of Connecticut student has died on the first day of classes after becoming ill in a dormitory.

UConn police say 19-year-old sophomore Jesse Richeeds of Danielson died at Windham Hospital where he was taken by ambulance Monday morning.

Police say emergency crews responded to the Shippee Hall dormitory just after 3 a.m. after receiving a report that a student was having trouble breathing.

Police are investigating, but say preliminary information indicates Richeeds had a pre-existing medical condition and there were no other contributing factors to his death.

The school says it is providing counseling to students affected by the death.

The Norwich Bulletin reports that Richeeds, known as “Jay R,” was a former standout football player at Killingly High School.