Obituaries
Victim In New London Shooting Remembered For 'Infectious Smile'
A 20-year-old Ledyard man was remembered for his creativity and "goofy personality," according to his obituary.
NEW LONDON, CT — A 20-year-old Ledyard man killed in a New London shooting is being remembered for "his infectious smile and laugh, twinkly eyes and goofy personality that would make everyone smile and light up the room," according to his obituary.
Avery Valentin Rivera was a 2023 graduate of St. Bernard's in Uncasville. Before that, he was a student at Butler Elementary School and Cutler Middle School in Mystic.
Rivera's "creative imagination" made him "an amazing writer and photographer," according to his obituary. He was also an avid athlete and played basketball.
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His full obituary is available by clicking here.
Rivera was killed in a fatal shooting in New London on March 18, according to police.
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Police responded to a shots-fired call. A man, later identified as Rivera, had suffered gunshot wounds to his torso area. Officers at the scene of the incident provided medical aid.
Rivera was then taken to Lawrence + Memorial Hospital for medical treatment. He was later declared dead.
The investigation remains active.
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