A high school hockey player in New York has died after collapsing on the ice during a charity memorial game for a fellow student.
Connor Kasin, a 17-year-old student at Massapequa High School in Long Island, suffered a “medical event” and passed out on the ice during an intermission of the hockey game around 9 p.m. on Saturday.
Multiple “civilians” at the game rushed onto the ice and performed CPR on Kasin while waiting for first responders to arrive, the Nassau County Police Department said in a press release.
Kasin was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The cause of the medical episode is still unknown.
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Nassau police said they are investigating the incident, but noted there’s “no criminality suspected.”
Massapequa High School announced Kasin’s death in a letter to students and families on Sunday.
“It is heartbreaking to report that Connor did not survive. His passing is devastating to the Massapequa community, and we offer our deepest condolences to Connor’s family and friends,” the letter said.
School officials said grief counseling will be available to students in the wake of the tragedy.
The game was being held in honour of Sabrina Navaretta, a local graduate who died in a car crash last year.
The game was held by a foundation in Navaretta’s name to raise scholarship money and offer support to grieving parents who have lost children.
John and Mara Navaretta, Sabrina’s parents, released a statement after Kasin’s death offering condolences to his family.
“There are no words to convey our heartbreak that we feel as last night was supposed to be a fun night. The community came together to celebrate Sabrina’s life and our family’s commitment to help with scholarship, dog rescue and assisting grieving parents,” they said, according to CBS News.
“We would like the Kasin family to know our commitment to you. Connor was there to play for Sabrina and our family is here for you. Please take the time to grieve and be kind to yourself as the waves of grief can knock you over. John and I are here for you when you are ready.”
Kasin’s travel hockey team, Sharks Elite Youth Hockey, also posted on social media about his death.
“It is with a heavy heart the Sharks share the sudden passing of 18U defenceman, Connor Kasin. Please keep the Kasin family in your thoughts and prayers.,” the team said in an Instagram post honouring the teen.
Coach Jeff Tempone called his player’s death “devastating.”
“He was a coach’s dream. You coach him and he loved the game. It’s missing someone. It’s missing someone very special,” Tempone told CBS News.
“Probably in the best shape on the team, as far as being physical, and was just a great kid, highly coachable kid, always encouraging his teammates on the bench.
“It was devastating. It’s a 17-year-old kid — has his whole life ahead of him.”
The New York Islanders organization also offered its “deepest condolences” to Kasin’s family, friends and teammates.
“The New York Islanders extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and teammates of Connor Kasin, a beloved member of the Massapequa and Long Island Hockey community,” the professional hockey team posted on Instagram Sunday night.
“Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time.”