A music lover with a big heart and lots of friends is how the parents of a Riverside teenager will always remember their son, who died unexpectedly over the weekend at age 18.
But for the moment, the family of Christopher Harris is just trying to come to terms with its devastating loss.
"It has been very difficult," said Christopher Harris Sr., the teen's father. "It was sudden and not expected. In our hearts, there is just a huge hole, and it will be a long time, if ever, to fill that hole."
Harris died Saturday after he was found unresponsive at his home on Florence Road around 9 a.m., prompting a response from paramedics and police. Harris was transported to Stamford Hospital shortly after medics rendered advanced life support, officials said. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
Greenwich police said they are investigating the "untimely" death of the Riverside teenager.
An autopsy was performed Monday by the Office of the Chief State's Medical Examiner. Police said the cause of death is pending while they await the completion of toxicology tests.
"Preliminary investigation reveals that although Mr. Harris had some underlying medical issues it is likely that intoxicants were a contributing factor in his death," police said in a news release issued Monday afternoon.
Christopher Harris Sr. said it appeared to be a normal night at their home Friday, but he found his son in his bed and not breathing on Saturday morning. The father performed CPR until police and medics could take over.
"We don't really know what happened," Harris said. "He had been diagnosed with (mononucleosis) two days prior. At this point we don't know. He went to bed Friday night and everything seemed fine."
Mononucleosis is a viral infection causing fever, sore throat and swollen lymph glands, especially in the neck.
Harris' mother, Karen Harris, said while the past few days have been extremely difficult, the outpouring of support from family and friends -- especially on Facebook -- has held them up.
"I couldn't look at it at first," said Karen Harris of her son's Facebook page. "But I couldn't sleep, so I just finally got up 4 a.m. (Sunday), sat down in his room on his computer and saw 200, if not more, posts. It was overwhelming."
Harris graduated from Greenwich High School in 2010 and was a freshman at the University of New Haven, where he was studying music engineering in hopes of becoming a music producer. He had a studio at home and often made music, using influences from various genres.
"He loved writing music," his father said. "That was his passion."
Harris' mother said one of his biggest musical influences was the Dave Matthews Band, a group Christopher saw live nearly 80 times. He also played football and rugby.
Harris is the grandson of Griffith E. Harris, a three-term first selectman for the town from 1952 to 1958 who was heavily involved in the community throughout his life. The town's only public golf course is named in his honor. He died in 1998.
Christopher Harris was also a loving older brother to his sister Emily Harris, who is a sophomore at Greenwich High School, his parents said.
"You are my best friend," wrote Emily Harris on her brother's Facebook page. "I'll be strong for you and I know you will always watch over me. Everyone is going to love you up there. Don't stop laughing and loving."
In addition to being a devoted son and brother, Karen and Christopher Harris Sr. said they were also always amazed with how many different types of friends their son had.
"He had a very diverse group of friends in different circles," his father said, remembering how his son often hung out with athletes, musicians and everyone in between. "Chris was the centerpiece that glued those guys together."
Charlie Collins, 19, was one of Harris' close friends, who said he was shocked to hear about his friend's death.
"No one had a bad thing to say about him," said Collins, who is delaying his trip back to college in order to attend the funeral. "He was good at making light of any situation."
Collins described Harris as athletic and outgoing.
On Facebook, hundreds of friends described what Harris meant to them.
"Greenwich just lost the most kind hearted, sincere person it had," read one posting by Jessica Stahl.
"I have so many great memories and miss u so much," read another post by Andrew Coffey. "(You) were the best friend anyone could ask for and u loved and cared about everyone."
Calling hours for the family will be from noon and 3 p.m. and 5 and 9 p.m. Friday at Leo P. Gallagher & Sons on Arch Street. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at the First Congregational Church in Old Greenwich.
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NBC Connecticut- Greenwich police are investigating the untimely death of a teen.
Police responded to 4 Florence Road at 9:22 a.m. on Saturday after receiving a report about an unresponsive 18-year-old man and found Christopher Harris unconscious and unresponsive, police said.
Emergency crews started rendering aid and Harris was transported to Stamford Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has performed an autopsy and the cause of death is pending the completion of toxicology analysis.
Police said the preliminary investigation reveals that Harris had some underlying medical issues, but it is likely that intoxicants were a contributing factor in his death.
The Greenwich Police Detective Division is investigating a criminal investigation.
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