The following was submitted by Hamden Hall Country Day School.
After losing their 14-year-old son in a tragic bicycle accident in May 2022, the family of Zayne Ali Thomas of New Haven has established a scholarship fund at Hamden Hall Country Day School where he had been a student.
Zayne died on May 25, three days after he was hit by a car on Townsend Avenue. An impromptu prayer vigil the day after the accident brought more than 200 people together. After his passing, at a celebration of his life, nearly 700 attendees were on hand to pay their respects to this young man who brought so much joy to so many.
Born and raised in New Haven, Zayne enrolled at Hamden Hall as a freshman in 2021. He joined his sister, Nyla, who was already a student in Hamden Hall’s classrooms. Zayne was always appreciative that his family could afford an independent school education, but realized that not everyone had the same opportunities.
Zayne was a student-athlete and played for both the Hamden Hall basketball and baseball teams. Prior to that, he played Little League from T‑ball to the majors for 10 years at the Annex Little League in New Haven. He also played for the Annex Little League All-Star Team and received the Aniello Cappetta Award for sportsmanship and spirit.
At home, Zayne was forever in his driveway with his neighborhood friends playing ball and riding bikes. He was the “quintessential kid,” according to his mom Laila Ali, who further noted that he would leave the house at midday and not return until the street lights came on. A popular young man, Zayne had friends that extended beyond his school, sports teams, and neighborhood. He was intelligent and charming and a loyal friend to all he met.
His family is excited to establish this scholarship in order to forever preserve Zayne’s caring and selfless nature. Contributions to this special fund will allow students who want to follow a similar path as Zayne to attend Hamden Hall and experience myriad opportunities as part of daily campus life.
Click here to make a gift to the Zayne Ali Thomas Scholarship Fund.
What has been done to stop the dangerous speeding that takes place where this young man died? It is a demolition derby and the City does nothing!! How many more people have to die from crazed drivers??