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Branford Railway Fatality: State ME Confirms Victim's Identity, Manner of Death

Following the tragic news of a man struck and killed by an Amtrak Acela traveling through Branford on May 16, the office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Connecticut has concluded the victim placed himself in harm's way, determining the manner of death as suicide.  The office also identified the victim, Dennis Ryan Jr., a Branford resident. 

According Ryan's obituary here published May 17 by W.S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home of Branford, Ryan, 22, was a scholar athlete, friend to many, and Branford High School Class of 2013 football tri-captain and lacrosse co-captain.  The obituary also notes Ryan was a National Honor Society member and attended UCONN, where he played for the club lacrosse team. The family is requesting memorial donations be sent to Camp Rising Sun, P. O. Box 472, Branford, CT 06405.

W.S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home of Branford is handling the arrangements for the family, with visiting hours for family and friends of Branford resident Dennis "DJ" Ryan, taking place Friday, May 19, 4 – 8 p.m. at 244 North Main St.

The following resources are available for suicide prevention:

• In crisis? Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273- TALK (8255)

• Especially for teens or youth: Text 741741 when in crisis. Anytime or anywhere. A live, trained counselor receives the text and will respond promptly. Crisistextline.org is an anonymous service

• Visit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention website here