State Employee Dies After Lawn Mower Accident At Southbury Training School, Officials Say

SOUTHBURY, CT — A Connecticut state employee, Steve Kuczynski, has died following a lawn mower accident at the Southbury Training School this week, top state officials said Thursday evening.

The Department of Developmental Services said the accident happened on the campus grounds while the employee was cutting grass, around 1:15 p.m. Wednesday. The worker suffered severe injuries and was initially hospitalized in critical condition.

Connecticut State Police and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration are investigating the cause of the incident, NBC CT reported. State police said Thursday that no criminal activity is suspected.

“It is with great sadness that we share the news that Steve Kuczynski, a state employee at Southbury Training School who was injured earlier this week while cutting grass at the facility, succumbed to his injuries this afternoon," said Gov. Ned Lamont. "He was transported to the hospital in critical condition following the accident and remained under medical care until his passing.

"My prayers are with Steve’s family, friends, and his fellow state employees at the Connecticut Department of Developmental Services and Southbury Training School during this devastating time. We extend our deepest condolences and appreciation for his service to the State of Connecticut," Lamont added.

Connecticut Department of Developmental Services (DDS) Commissioner Jordan Scheff said, “On behalf of the Department of Developmental Services, I want to express our deep sadness at the passing of a valued member of the Southbury Training School community. Our agency is built on compassion and service, and the loss of one of our own is felt throughout DDS.

"Although Steve was only with us for a short time, he worked hard and was respected by his teammates on campus," Scheff said. "We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.”

Lamont will order flags to be lowered statewide on the date of Steve Kuczynski’s funeral, which has not yet been determined.

According to the department’s website, the Southbury Training School was built in the late 1930s as a home for individuals with intellectual disabilities and remains the state’s only large residential facility of its kind.