The University of New Haven is mourning the loss of one of its brightest college athletes. 21-year-old hockey standout Ryan O'Shea passed away on Friday (October 16). He was the victim of a wrong-way car crash that happened when he was driving home from their last game.
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"The car he was driving was struck head-on by a wrong-way driver. On Interstate 91 South in North Haven," read a
statement shared on the University's social media account.College Hockey Standout Killed in Wrong-Way Car Crash
Per a report from WFSB, the hockey standout's car was struck by a pickup truck. The momentum of the initial crash pushed O'Shea's car into another lane, leading to his car being struck by a second vehicle.
O'Shea was pronounced dead at the scene of the incident.
Following his passing, The university
shared several tributes from students and faculty that he impacted on its Facebook page."Ryan was an avid sports fan. And he was always ready to have a sports-related conversation," said his academic adviser Lorenzo Boyd. "Ryan wanted to go into public service to help others. He was engaging in the classroom and will be missed greatly."
"Ryan embodied everything good about being a Charger," shared Devin Bertrand, general manager of the men's ice hockey club. "His infectious personality lit up our locker room the moment he walked in. And his love for his teammates will never be forgotten."
"The loss of a young life is heartbreaking. I cannot begin to imagine the grief that Ryan's family is experiencing," said Virginia Maxwell, interim dean of the Lee College. "Our Lee College community mourns Ryan's tragic loss. And our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his family, friends, and all those whose lives were touched by him."
Police say that they are currently investigating the accident. Stay tuned for further updates.
