Daughter, 20, of cop killed in 9/11 chokes to death during a charity pancake-eating contest
Caitlin Nelson fell to the floor and started shaking after eating four or five pancakes, according to witnesses
THE daughter of a heroic cop killed during the 9/11 terror attacks has choked to death during a fundraising pancake-eating competition at her university.
Caitlin Nelson, 20, died three days after she collapsed during the event in Fairfield, Connecticut.
Two nursing students tried to save Caitlin and were joined by police and paramedics.
She was taken to hospital in nearby Bridgeport in a critical but stable condition but later transferred to Columbia University Medical Center in New York, where she died on Sunday.
The sorority girl fell to the floor and started shaking uncontrollably after eating four or five pancakes at the fundraising event on Thursday, according to witnesses.
It's the second tragedy to hit the family.
Caitlin was only five-years-old when her dad James Nelson, a police officer, died while trying to save people from the World Trade Center buildings in New York after they were struck by two hijacked air planes on September 11, 2001.
Fairfield Police Lt. Bob Kalamaras said: "It's a tragic event that started out as something fun.
"It was just a tragic accident."
He added that Caitlin suffered from food allergies but they did not contribute to her death.
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A candlelit vigil was held at Sacred Heart University, where Caitlin was the vice president of the Kappa Delta sorority.
Hundreds of people took to the university's Facebook page to pay tribute to the popular social work student.
One Facebook user Stephanie Cinque said: "You will forever be on our hearts. This is a terrible loss to everyone. Your smile and bright eyes will never be forgotten. We love you."
Another woman Carol Martufi Bordieri said: "There are no words. My heart is broken over this tragic loss. Prayers to Caitlin, her family and friends and to the entire SHU family. May she RIP as she is reunited with her dad in heaven."
Lori Bohling added: "Heaven got another angel and we are sad beyond belief for Caitlin's family. No family should have to endure the loss of a child ever and they already lost her dad on 9/11, it's heart wrenching."
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