Member of Canton’s boys soccer team dies in two-vehicle accident

The late Raheim Dante Barry Nelson (14) shakes hands with players after a game with Suffield in September.

CANTON, Dec. 27, 2022 – In the final, cold days of December, the Canton High School community and boys soccer team is mourning the passing of junior Raheim Dantae Barry Nelson.

Nelson, 17, and his mother, Faye Dawson-Judkins, 52, died in a two-vehicle accident in West Hartford early on Christmas morning, according to West Hartford police.

Nelson and Judkins were returning home from work at Duncaster, a senior-living community in Bloomfield, when the accident occurred on Simsbury Road at 6:49 a.m., according to police. Novelette Bailey, 55, of Hartford also died in the crash.

Kevin Case, superintendent of Canton Public Schools, sent out an email to parents of students on Tuesday announcing Nelson’s passing.

Nelson, who lives in Hartford, has been a student in Canton since September. He played on the boys soccer team where he was the third-leading scorer on the team with 12 goals.

His passing was shocking news to the Canton community and the soccer program.

“I truly believe he was a gift,” long-time Canton High coach Bill Phelps said. “A huge gift to our team, our players and to our coaches and those that got to know him.

“It was just a privilege to coach him, to know him and be around him.”

Nelson, who was born in Jamaica, did have some previous experience in soccer. He was an All-State soccer player at Weaver High as a freshman in 2020. But he didn’t come to the Warriors with an attitude or expectations, Phelps said.

“(Nelson) fit right in from day one,” Phelps said. “He was a dream to coach and work with. He never complained and always came (to practice) with a smile.”

Nelson helped the Warriors advance to the CIAC Class S quarterfinals where they fell to East Hampton, 3-2 on penalty kicks in November. Trailing by two goals, Nelson scored to help Canton get back into the game. He assisted on the game-tying goal by teammate Ryan Weller, according to Phelps.

“He had exceptional speed,” Phelps said. “We would joke that his body would be moving faster than his brain could think.”

According to Phelps, Nelson became interested in attending Canton and playing soccer for the Warriors thanks to his cousin Khalil Thomas, who is a student and athlete in Canton.

In the email to parents, Canton High principal Andrew DiPippo said, “Raheim joined Canton High School in August and immediately made a positive impact with his kindness and positive outlook.

“In a short period of time, he made an outstanding impression on all students and staff with his respectful and dedicated approach to school.

“While quiet, Raheim had a wonderful sense of humor who openly shared his friendly and supportive disposition with all. He was a major contributor to the team’s highly successful soccer program where he worked seamlessly with his new teammates,” DiPippio said.

School counselors were made available for students on Tuesday. Phelps also met with several soccer players on Tuesday.

“He loved soccer. He loved the team and the team loved him,” Phelps said.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time.

John Fitts of the Valley Press contributed to this report.