A high school senior who eerily asked how to stop innocent people from being gunned down in a podcast episode was fatally shot by a stray bullet while waiting for a ride home in Connecticut’s capital early Sunday morning.
Camden Siegal, 17, died on Tuesday, two days after he was critically injured when caught in the crossfire of a nearby shooting while waiting for an Uber to pick him up from a downtown Hartford bar.
A second victim, a man in his 20s, was also shot and hospitalized in critical but stable condition, according to the Hartford Police Department. It’s unclear if he was the intended target or another innocent bystander.
Camden, a senior at Hall High School in West Hartford, was set to graduate in early June. He was enjoying a night out with friends when he was gunned down, his distraught family told WFSB.
“Camden was the sweetest soul who moved through life with kindness and intention. He loved all animals, but mostly his four dogs and cat. He had the greatest group of friends. His friendships were built on loyalty, trust and countless unforgettable memories. The bond they shared speaks volumes about the young man he was. He made a tremendous impact on his friends and family through everyday kindness, steady support and genuine care,” his family wrote in a statement.
“Though Camden’s time with us was far too short, the love he gave and the memories he created will remain in our hearts forever. He was a pride, joy and gift to his mom and his entire community. Camden will be forever loved and missed tremendously.”
He selflessly “gave the gift of life through organ donation” — a “final act of kindness” that his family said ensured “part of Camden will live on.”
Camden’s father, Erik Seigal, died unexpectedly in August 2021, according to his obituary.
Camden, a consistent honor roll student, thrived in athletics with a particular aptitude for lacrosse and soccer, his family said.
He also served as an editor for his school paper this academic year. He leaned more into multimedia content, most recently sharing a brief podcast reflecting on gun violence following the Bondi Beach shooting.
“With antisemitic attacks like these, and school shootings on the rise, gun restriction laws remain the same. Therefore, there stands a question. How do we stop innocent human beings from being gunned down?” he said in the clip.
In a Q&A with the newspaper, Camden said that he is “most passionate about helping people, and informing people about things they should be informed about.”
When he wasn’t competing on the field or brainstorming in the newsroom, Camden could be found spending time with his friends, brother, or his family’s four dogs and lone cat, according to his obituary.
Camden’s funeral will be held on Thursday. His family established a memorial fund in his name, which will go towards “academic and sports scholarships for youth in the West Hartford community.”
An investigation into the shooting is still ongoing. No arrests have been made.