In August of 2001, life was good for Tyler Ugolyn.
The former Ridgefield High School basketball star (and McDonald’s All-American) graduated from Columbia University that May. He had just turned 23. And he started working for Fred Alger.
Tyler Ugolyn at his Columbia University gradaation.
He was there at his desk one month later — September 11 — when a hijacker flew a plane into the World Trade Center’s North Tower.
Tyler was one of 35 members of his investment firm — and 2,942 others — who died that horrific morning, 25 years ago this Friday.
Trevor was Tyler Ugolyn’s older brother — his charismatic, selfless and only brother.
Tyler Ugolyn
Trevor moved to Westport 13 years ago. He and his wife Caroline are raising 2 sons here.
Trevor has seldom spoken publicly about his connection with 9/11. But as his boys grow up, Trevor wants to make sure they, and the many other Americans born after that world-changing day hear the stories behind the statistics.
Every man and woman lost that morning left behind loved ones. Tyler’s death inspired Trevor to “live my life as he did — to be the best human being I can be, and try to fulfill his legacy.”
Which is why today (Wednesday, 5:30 p.m.), Trevor will speak at Connecticut’s official ceremony. It will be held, as always, at Sherwood Island State Park. The state’s 9/11 Living Memorial is there, on a peninsula where on a clear day the Manhattan skyline can be viewed across Long Island Sound.
The memorial features stones engraved with the names of the 161 people with ties to Connecticut who were killed in the attacks.
The 9/11 memorial, at Sherwood island State Park.
This will not be Trevor’s first time at the ceremony. In the past though, he has stood off to the side.
Now, he will be a “story teller.” He will talk about Trevor’s impact on him.
He will recall the innocent men and women lost, the sacrifices of first responders, the thousands of volunteers in search and rescue, and the brave men and women of our armed forces who risked their lives in years to come.
He will talk too about the good things that came out of 9/11: “bravery, sacrifice, a feeling of community.”
And the Tyler Ugolyn Foundation. Created by Trevor and his parents, the non-profit supports youth basketball through court refurbishment, financial support for character-building educational programs, and skills clinics for children in urban areas.
All nationwide courts are named “Tyler’s Court.” A plaque installed at each says “I just love playing the game,” a quote from his high school days.
Tyler left quite a legacy. At Columbia, he enlisted players from the men’s and women’s teams to run clinics for Harlem youths. He served as a soup kitchen volunteer too.
At Ridgefield High he was a member of the National Honor Society, Key Club, Safe Rides, Future Business Leaders of America, and Big Brothes/Big Sisters.
Every year, Ridgefield’s basketball program selects a special player — one with great character and spirit, a humble leader and true team athlete — to wear Tyler’s #34 jersey.
Tyler’s jersey, in the Ridgefield High School gym.
The Foundation’s website is filled with tributes.
Speaking at today’s ceremony will not be easy for Trevor. He’s a private person, but he has so much to say about his brother.
“I’ve written probably 4 books,” Trevor says. “And now I have to condense it down into 4 minutes.
After a quarter century, the grief and loss Trevor feels is still palpable.
He will never forget his brother. But — first by working with the Tyler Ugolyn Foundation, now adding his conversations with his sons and his remarks today — Trevor ensures that many others who never knew Tyler will never forget him either.
(A few days after 9/11, Jeff Pearlman wrote a very moving story about Tyler for Sports Illustrated; click here to read. In 2009, he revisited that piece; click here to read. For more on Tyler Ugolyn, click here.)
Tyler Ugolyn
