yale-new haven hospital

Officials ID Man Who Died During Closer to Free Ride

Officials with Closer to Free have identified the man who died while participating in Saturday's ride in New Haven.

Closer to Free officials released a statement Sunday and said in part, "While yesterday was a day of celebration and triumph, we suffered a tragic loss curing the Ride. Alumni rider and Closer to Free family member Ben Davol passed away during the ride as a result of cardiac arrest. Our heartfelt condolences are with the Davol family and Team Tommy Fund. We will fondly remember Ben as a passionate cyclist and dedicated to many causes, including the Closer to Free Ride. Please keep Ben and his family in your thoughts during this difficult time."

Davol was 58 years old.

This year's annual Closer to Free Ride had nearly 2,000 participants riding either 10, 25, 40, 65 or 100 miles to raise money for the Smilow Cancer Hospital and Yale Cancer Center in New Haven.

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