by Jessica Stewart
Assistant News Editor

Traverse Square resident, two year old Trakkel White, suffered serious injuries Sunday, after he was struck by a Wesleyan Public Safety sports utility vehicle. Although initially listed in
critical condition, he returned home from Connecticut Children’s Medical Center (CCMC) on Tuesday. 

White was hit on Sunday at approximately 2:15 p.m. when he darted into the street as Public Safety supervisor Paul Verrillo was driving a Chevy Blazer west on William Street, according to Assistant Director of University Communications Kristin Fearnley. Verrillo declined to comment. 

After being taken by ambulance to Middlesex Hospital, White was flown to Hartford Hospital by LifeStar helicopter, according to a Middletown Press report. The two-year old was then
transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU) of CCMC.

Although initially listed in serious condition, White was upgraded out of the ICU Monday because he was in fair condition, said Chris Boyle, a hospital spokesman. The toddler was
discharged from the hospital on Tuesday. 

Despite visible abrasions across his shaved head, facial scrap-marks and darkening under his eyes, Fearnley said White’s condition is improving every day. He now can walk around his
52 Traverse Square home.

"It looks like he’s hopefully going to make a full recovery," Fearnley said. "We’re thrilled about that." 

Clearly shaken up by Sunday’s trauma and its aftermath, White’s family would not comment on the incident beyond confirming that he was "ok," sustaining no permanent injuries. 

The Middletown Police Department (MPD) is investigating the accident in a cooperative effort with the University. As a standard proceedure, the MPD’s Traffic Division is looking into
whether the incident was accidental or intentional. 

"It’s clear that the child ran out in front of the car," said Maryann Wiggin, Director of Public Safety.

Public Safety has car and liability insurance to cover accidents such as White’s. The University is expected to pay for hospitalization costs, according to Fearnley. Despite Wesleyan’s
preparation, she said such incidents are not common on campus.

"In the past four and a half years that I’ve been here, I don’t remember any accidents like this," said Fearnley. 

"When Public Safety people drive a vehicle eight hours a day, accidents are going to happen," Wiggin said. 

Verrillo declined to comment on the event, although according to Wiggin, he is dealing with it well. Verrillo faces no consequences for his actions.

Traverse Square is located next to LoRise and HiRise on the south side of William Street. The White family home faces the two-way street although it is among the second row of houses
in from the street.

Residents said the street is usually busy because the Idella W. Howell Child Development Center is across from the Traverse Square Houses.

No charges against the University have been filed in the case.

The MPD was not able to be reached for comment.