HVRHS alumnus Steven Wingard, 25: Death in a diving accident

FALLS VILLAGE — Steven Wingard, 25, a graduate of Housatonic Valley Regional High School in the Class of 2012, died on Friday morning, June 21, from what an autopsy report described as “blunt force trauma” while diving at a hydropower plant in Greenwich, N.Y.

Wingard was a commercial diver employed by Commercial Diving Services of North Franklin, Conn. He had been sent down to clear a drain valve at the Dahowa Hydro Plant in Middle Falls, N.Y., according to coverage in the Post-Star newspaper by reporter Don Lehman. 

According to Lehman’s reporting, which has been confirmed by New York State Police, it’s not known what caused the fatal trauma. The police are investigating and as of Tuesday, June 25, were planning to send additional divers down to see if they could find what hit Wingard. 

Wingard was an outstanding athlete and a bright spirit, known for his sense of humor. He was a state wrestling champion. His father, Jerri, was also a wrestler and had coached area teams. 

According to Connecticut Wrestling Online, Steven Wingard was “the second wrestler in school history to medal at the New England championships and the first Housatonic wrestler to win a New England medal since 1990.

“Eight Housatonic wrestlers have won Class S state titles. With his championship in 2012, Wingard is the most recent state champion for the Mountaineers.”

Wingard’s mother, Joan, is a former teacher at the Lee H. Kellogg School. 

In a message to the school community, Housatonic Principal Ian Strever said that Wingard also played baseball and soccer. 

A full obituary for Wingard is on Page A7. Arrangements are under the care of Newkirk-Palmer Funeral Home in North Canaan. There will be a wake at the funeral home on Friday, June 28, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. 

A celebration of Wingard’s life will be held the following day at 10 a.m. at the Center on Main in the center of Falls Village. Guests are asked to wear tie-dyed or pink clothing. 

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