When emergency medical responders took Stephen Zuraw to Griffin Hospital from the scene of a car accident early Thursday, they thought he was suffering from an unrelated medical condition.
But autopsy results released Friday afternoon show that Zuraw suffered a ruptured spleen – an internal injury from the one-car accident on Milan Road in Woodbridge, police said.
“At the scene it didn’t appear to be from the accident,” said Woodbridge spokesman Sgt. Frank Cappiello.
Zuraw, 22, of 21 Hoinski Way in Ansonia, died early Thursday. The former Ansonia High School football, golf and basketball captain had recently graduated from Springfield College with a B.S. in exercise science. He planned to attend Southern Connecticut State University for his graduate studies in the fall.
Friday, news of his death resonated throughout the Valley, shocking longtime friends.
“Absolute shock, and grief, just personifies the Ansonia football family, and the whole Ansonia community, right now,” said John Sponheimer, the football coach for the freshman team, who assists the varsity team during games.
Sponheimer said he coached Zuraw during his four years at Ansonia High School, 2001-05.
“He was a totally dedicated football player. Very intense, and a great team mate,” Sponheimer said. “As a senior captain, he was so inspirational to the younger players and he was always willing to help someone out. He was admired by every member of the team. Everybody loved him.”
Sponheimer said football players haven’t planned anything in Zuraw’s memory yet because the news was still settling in. But Sponheimer said he was sure some type of memorial would be planned.
Another former coach, Jack Hunt, declined to comment because his son, Jeffrey Hunt, 21, was the driver in the accident.
“He was like a son to me,” Jack Hunt said.
Police said Jeffrey Hunt was driving south on Ford Road about 2:30 a.m. Thursday when his car drove off the road and struck a tree at the intersection of Milan Road. The car sustained heavy damage, Cappiello said, but Hunt and a second passenger were uninjured.
Police issued Hunt a ticket for running a stop sign and for driving too fast for conditions.
Cappiello said police continue to investigate the accident scene and more charges are “very possible”
“But nothing will be done until all the facts are gathered and reviewed,” Cappiello said.
A wake will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. June 28, at the Wakelee Memorial Funeral Home on Wakelee Avenue. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Sunday at Assumption Church on North Cliff Street.
Read the obituary for Zuraw here.
