SCSU Athletics & Recreation Mourns The Passing Of Gabriel “Gabe” Toppin

Southern Connecticut State University Athletics & Recreation is saddened by the lack of monitor & subject student-athlete Gabriel “Gabe” Toppin, 19, who handed away unexpectedly on Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025. 

Gabe was a sophomore enterprise administration main at Southern Connecticut and a valued member of the SCSU Men’s Track & Field staff. At SCSU, he competed within the Shot Put and Discus occasions.

“Gabe came to Southern Connecticut with the dream of being a standout student-athlete and contributing to our program’s success,” head coach John Wallin stated. “From the start, he worked very hard to accomplish both of those goals. He was an outstanding teammate, dedicated to his personal growth as well as helping his teammates improve.”

Toppin, a local of Wallingford, Conn., got here to Southern Connecticut after graduating from Lyman Hall High School in 2024. His obituary revealed an curiosity in legislation and economics. 

“Gabe’s future was very bright, and he had the potential to be successful and reach his goals,” Wallin stated. “Our team will honor his memory and celebrate his life at Southern Connecticut. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones as they cope with his tragic passing.”

A visitation might be held on Saturday, January 3, 2026 from 8:30 am to 10:30 am on the B.C. Bailey Funeral Home, 273 South Elm Street, Wallingford. Gabe’s funeral service will instantly comply with the visitation, starting at 10:30 am with burial to comply with at In Memoriam Cemetery.

A GoFundme.com web page was launched by present Owls’ teammate Leo Jolly to help Gabe’s household throughout this tough time. SCSU Track & Field additionally plans to honor Gabe at a meet this season.