Family and friends of former Mattituck Strawberry Queen Kaitlyn Doorhy, 20, were grief-stricken to learn that the college junior died after being hit by a car in Bridgeport, Conn. on Friday.
Bridgeport Police confirmed Saturday morning that Doorhy died Friday from injuries sustained in the accident.
Doorhy, 20, a graduate of Mattituck High School, was a junior at Sacred Heart University in Bridgeport, CT. A close family friend also confirmed Friday night that Doorhy lost her life after the unthinkable tragedy.
Donielle Cardinale, a friend and member of the Mattituck Chamber of Commerce, said Doorhy’s mother Darla confirmed the tragic news by text Friday night. “She was a beautiful girl inside and out. So sad for her family. This is a loss felt by our whole community. The Doorhys are a wonderful family that do so much for the community. I know we are all praying for them,” said Cardinale.
According to the CT Post, hundreds of students attended a vigil held at Sacred Heart for Doorhy, who was reportedly struck outside her sorority house. At the vigil, the CT Post stated that Darla Doorhy, when asked about her daughter, said, “She is in heaven.”
Sacred Heart released a statement, which police distributed with a news release, according to nbcconnecticut.com.
“A Sacred Heart University student, who is a junior, was involved in a motor vehicle-pedestrian accident in the City of Bridgeport this afternoon. . . The thoughts and prayers of the entire Sacred Heart University community are with the student and her family.”
According to The Courant, Doorhy was “critically injured when she was struck about 12:30 p.m. by a motorist traveling north on Madison Avenue, police said. Doorhy was crossing the street with another female who was not injured. Police said the driver, Brandon M. Pouncie, 28, of Bridgeport, stayed on the scene and no charges have been filed as of Friday night.”
Doorhy was taken to Saint Vincent’s Medical Center where she later passed away, according to grief-stricken friends and family, many of whom turned to Doorhy’s Facebook page to say good-bye to a young woman loved by so many.
“RIP Kait Doorhy,” one friend wrote on her Facebook page. “You are such a sweet, beautiful young woman and life isn’t fair. Heaven did just gain a beautiful angel.”
Funeral arrangements were announced Saturday for Doorhy.
