Connecticut teacher dies in skiing accident in Utah

A 53-year-old Canton man who worked as a computer applications instructor at A.I. Prince Technical High School in Hartford has died after a skiing accident in Utah over the weekend, according to police.

Unified Police of Greater Salt Lake in Utah identified the man as Daniel Negrelli.

A.I. Prince Technical High School is part of the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System.

“Everybody is a little down. I feel it too, but we were talking about him in the library all together,” Christopher Gomez, a student at Prince Tech, said.

“We are heartbroken by the passing of Dan Negrelli, a beloved member of our school community. He was an exceptional educator and a cherished mentor, colleague, and friend. Dan made a lasting impact both in and out of the classroom, touching the lives of students and staff in countless ways. This is a tremendous loss for our school, and our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who knew him. Grief counselors will be available to support students and staff during this difficult time,” the school department said in a statement.  

Parents said Negrelli took students on hiking trips and he had a major impact on many people.

"The legacy he leave behind is one of kindness, and I think we're all going to hear from that and hopefully continue to pay it forward, Prince Tech parent Neil Jamieson said.

Unified Police of Greater Salt Lake in Utah said they received a call reporting that that someone had found an unresponsive person who appeared to have crashed into a tree at Solitude Mountain Resort on Saturday.

The ski patrol responded and could not save Negrelli.

Police said he was wearing a helmet and the proper gear.

Kerry Markey, the career center and communications director for Connecticut Technical Education and Career Systems, said in part, “he was an exceptional educator and a cherished mentor, colleague, and friend. Dan made a lasting impact both in and out of the classroom, touching the lives of students and staff in countless ways.”

"It's heartbreaking he's gone, but we won't let him be forgotten," said Amy Jamieson, the parent of Prince Tech student.

Negrelli was also a longtime ski instructor at Killington Resort in Vermont, where he joined the Mountain Sports team in 1997 and they released a statement on Monday.

“Over the years, he made a lasting impact as a mentor, leader, and friend to many within our community,” the statement says.

“Dan’s love for skiing and teaching was evident in everything he did. He was not only a dedicated instructor but also a passionate supporter of the sport, always willing to share his knowledge and enthusiasm with others. His presence on the mountain will be sorely missed.

“Our thoughts are with Dan’s family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him during this incredibly difficult time,” the statement says.

He was not only a dedicated instructor but also a passionate supporter of the sport, always willing to share his knowledge and enthusiasm with others.

Killington Resort, Vermont