Ridgefield Teen Dies in South Salem Equipment Accident

RIDGEFIELD, CT — An 18-year-old Ridgefield resident died Wednesday after being struck by landscaping equipment at a private residence in South Salem, according to New York State Police.

Troopers from the Somers, NY, barracks responded around 6:30 p.m. on July 16, along with the Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Lewisboro Police Department, following a 911 call reporting an unresponsive individual.

First responders found Brandon Q. Gmelin at the scene. Despite life-saving efforts, Gmelin was pronounced dead.

A preliminary investigation found that Gmelin had been attempting to move a log splitter that had been delivered earlier in the day for scheduled landscaping work. As he tried to move the equipment, it rolled down a sloped area and struck him, resulting in fatal injuries.

Authorities said there were no signs of foul play. The investigation is ongoing.

Ridgefield Superintendent of Schools Susie Da Silva confirmed Gmelin graduated with the Ridgefield High School Class of 2025, and was a cherished member of the community, in a news release Thursday.

"His warmth, kindness, and unwavering friendship touched the lives of many, and his loss will be felt deeply across RHS and the greater Ridgefield community," Da Silva said.