A high school student has tragically died after suffering a brain hemorrhage at just 17 years old.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Owen Coyne passed away suddenly after recently committing to attend Williams College next fall.
Coyne was a three-sport athlete and co-captain of the football team at Marblehead High School in Massachusetts.
High School Student Dies After Sudden Brain Hemorrhage
Coyne's mother, Angela Paraside, has spoken out following her son's death, releasing an emotional statement to the local press.
"It is with profound sadness and indescribable grief that we share that Owen passed away after a sudden brain hemorrhage," she said.
"Owen (Owie to his family, OC to his friends, teammates and coaches) was the sweetest soul you'll ever meet — truly a gift!"
"Owen was a wonderful, respectful son, a doting older brother to Grady, Landon and Ella, and a beloved grandson, cousin and nephew. He surrounded himself with the very best friends and teammates a boy could have."
Shortly before his death, Coyne announced his commitment to Williams College. He was preparing to continue both his academic studies and football career.
Owen Coyne Remembered as a "Gift and a Hero"
Paraside recalled visiting the Williams College campus with Coyne and realizing that her son had found his "next home".
"That we will never see our Owie pursue his college dreams after working so very hard throughout high school to earn his spot at Williams is beyond heartbreaking," she added.
The grieving mother also revealed that her son was an organ donor. His organs will be used to save the lives of five people.
She said that her son continues to be a "gift and a hero to total strangers".
"Owen, you were truly a gift — the best gift — to all of us. I am so grateful that I am your mom," she continued. "I love you with all of my heart, and I will miss you every minute of every day until my time on earth is done."
Paraside vowed to carry her son's legacy forward until her "dying day" and continue remembering and celebrating his life.
On Friday, October 2, Coyne's classmates honored his memory at a girls' field hockey game. They wore t-shirts bearing his No. 18, which were made by a local sporting goods store.
Marblehead Public Schools Superintendent Josh Robidoux said counseling support will be available to students and staff during the "difficult time" for the community.
