Michael Yagmin Obituary: The Tragic Death of a Former New Britain Firefighter
Michael Yagmin was a former New Britain firefighter who died of an accidental overdose of fentanyl and xylazine in April 2021.
He was 39 years old.
He had been fired from the fire department in 2020 after being involved in a drug scandal that also claimed the life of another firefighter, Matthew Disney, 2020.
Yagmin was also a youth basketball mentor and scout who helped many players get scholarships and exposure.
In this article, we will provide the latest information about Michael Yagmin, his personal and professional life, and his death.
Who Was the New Britain Firefighter Found Dead?
The New Britain firefighter found dead in his apartment on Farmington Avenue on April 19, 2021, was Michael Yagmin, a former lieutenant who had served the city for 18 years.
He was found unresponsive and pronounced dead at the scene by the police, who did not suspect any foul play.
The state medical examiner’s office conducted an autopsy and determined that his cause of death was acute intoxication due to the combined effects of fentanyl and xylazine, two powerful opioids.
Michael Yagmin’s Firefighting Career and Drug Scandal
Michael Yagmin’s firefighting career began in 2002 when he joined the New Britain Fire Department as a recruit.
He rose through the ranks and became a lieutenant in 2016.
Michael was assigned to Engine 4 at Station 2 on Beaver Street.
He was described by his colleagues as a dedicated and skilled firefighter who loved his job.
However, his career came to an abrupt end in 2020, when he was fired by the city after being implicated in a drug scandal that rocked the fire department.
The scandal was triggered by the death of Matthew Disney, a 36-year-old firefighter who was found dead in his Southington home on Jan. 26, 2020.
An autopsy revealed that Dizney had died of acute intoxication from a mix of horse tranquilizers, fentanyl, and other drugs.
The investigation into Dizney’s death uncovered evidence that at least eight firefighters from the department had been using drugs on and off duty, including Adderall, cocaine, marijuana, heroin, and fentanyl.
Some of them had also been buying or selling drugs at their firehouses.
Yagmin was accused of lying about his role in supplying drugs to Dizney and other firefighters.
He denied the allegations, but text messages between him and Dizney showed otherwise.
The city offered six firefighters a deal to keep their jobs in exchange for accepting demotions, suspensions, and treatment.
Yagmin refused the deal and was fired in February 2020.
He appealed to a state arbitrator but lost in January 2021.
The arbitrator ruled that Yagmin’s behaviour was unacceptable for a public safety officer and that he had contributed to Dizney’s death.
Michael Yagmin’s Basketball Passion and Legacy
Michael Yagmin had another passion besides firefighting: basketball.
He was an avid fan and player of the sport since his childhood.
Michael graduated from New Britain High School in 1999 and played college basketball at Central Connecticut State University.
He later became a coach, mentor, and scout for young basketball players in New England.
Michael also worked as a video coordinator for St. Thomas More School, a prep school with a renowned basketball program.
He attended countless high school and AAU games across the region, scouting for talent and potential.
Some of the players he helped develop include NBA All-Star Andre Drummond, UConn Huskies guard Hassan Diarra, and many others.
His energy, enthusiasm, and honesty made him known.
He cared deeply about the players he worked with and wanted them to succeed on and off the court.
Yagmin’s death shocked and saddened the New England basketball community, which paid tribute to him on social media and other platforms.
Many players, coaches, analysts, and fans expressed their gratitude and admiration for him.
They remembered him as a unique and authentic person who made a positive impact on many lives.
Conclusion
Michael Yagmin was a former New Britain firefighter who died of an accidental overdose of fentanyl and xylazine in April 2021.
He was 39 years old.
He was fired from the fire department in 2020 after being involved in a drug scandal that also claimed the life of another firefighter, Matthew Dizney, 2020.
Yagmin was also a youth basketball mentor and scout who helped many players get scholarships and exposure.
Yagmin’s death was a tragic loss for his family, friends, and the communities he served.
He left behind his parents, his brother, his sister, his niece, his nephew, and many other relatives.
Michael also left behind a legacy of passion, dedication, and generosity in the fields of firefighting and basketball.
Many will miss and remember him.
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