Helmets being given away in advance of new Connecticut law
LEDYARD, Conn. (AP) — Skateboard helmets are being given away to draw attention to a new helmet law that takes effect this fall in Connecticut.
Beginning Oct. 1, children under age 15 must wear protective headgear while riding a skateboard, roller skating or inline skating. Dubbed "Conor's Law," the legislation was introduced this year by Democratic state Sen. Cathy Osten of Sprague in memory of Conor Irwin, a 14-year-old Ledyard High School student who died in 2016.
The teen fell and severely injured his brain while skateboarding. He died 10 days later. His mother, Holly Irwin, urged the General Assembly to pass the legislation requiring the helmet use.
The Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes have donated 75 helmets.