A 17-year-old Long Island, New York high school hockey player died after he ‘lost consciousness’ during the intermission of a game he was playing in, police said.
Nassau County police medics and officers responded to the Town of Oyster Bay Skating Center in Bethpage at 9 p.m. on Saturday, the department wrote in a news release. When authorities arrived, they found the unconscious teenager, police said.
Civilians at the scene administered CPR, which continued after officials arrived, according to the department. The teenager was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead, police said, adding that ‘no criminality is suspected’ but an investigation is ongoing.
The teenager was identified by his travel hockey team, Sharks Elite Youth Hockey, as Connor Kasin, according to a Facebook post shared by the team on Sunday.
‘It is with a heavy heart the Sharks share the sudden passing of 18U defenseman, Connor Kasin,’ the post reads. ‘Please keep the Kasin family in your thoughts and prayers.’
‘Our bench will feel empty without Connor’
Connor, a senior, attended Massapequa High School in East Massapequa, New York before his death.
The Massapequa School District emailed a letter to USA TODAY on Monday that it had sent out to the high school’s faculty, staff and parents.
‘It is with profound sorrow that I inform you of the tragic loss of one of our beloved Massapequa High School students, Connor Kasin. Connor was a cherished member of our school community, known for his kindness, positivity, enthusiasm, and big smile. He had a way of bringing light and joy to those around him, and his absence will be felt deeply by all of us,’ the letter reads.
‘Our hearts are heavy as we grieve alongside Connor’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time… Together, we will honor Connor’s memory and provide care for those who are grieving.’
In a statement obtained by USA TODAY, Connor’s high school coaches wrote they and their players ‘are completely heartbroken after the tragic events of (Saturday’s) game.’
‘Connor was and always will remain one of the most hardworking, dedicated, and spirited players we’ve had the privilege of coaching and knowing on and off the ice,’ the teenager’s coaches said. ‘I want to express my condolences to the Kasin family and ask that you respect their privacy during this unimaginably difficult time.’
‘There are no words to express how devastating this loss is to our Massapequa hockey family. Our bench will feel empty without Connor.’
Teen was playing in a charity game at time of incident: Report
On Saturday, Connor was participating in a charity game honoring Syosset High School graduate Sabrina Navaretta, a 19-year-old who died in a car accident last year, CBS News reported. A foundation was created in her name to raise scholarship money and offer support to grieving parents whose children have died.
Sabrina’s parents, John and Mara Navaretta, released a statement about Connor’s death to CBS News saying, ‘Our family extends our condolences to Connor’s family, teammates, friends, and the community. We know the heartbreak that you are all going through and we will be here for you.’
‘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 helping with scholarships, dog rescue and assisting grieving parents.’
Obituary: ‘Connor left us too soon, doing what he loved most’
According to Connor’s obituary at the Massapequa Funeral Home, he was a ‘beloved son, brother, grandson, great-grandson, nephew, cousin, teammate and friend.’
‘Connor left us too soon, doing what he loved most, on the ice playing hockey surrounded by his teammates,’ the obituary reads.
Connor, a native of Massapequa, began playing hockey ‘the moment he was old enough to hold a stick,’ according to the obituary.
‘Connor started skating almost from the time he was able to walk, progressing from Town of Oyster Bay youth hockey to play travel league hockey,’ the obituary reads. ‘But the jersey he prized wearing the most was that of his high school team, the Massapequa Chiefs.’
On the ice, Connor was known for his ‘determination, boundless energy and fierce defending, but even more so as a beacon of sportsmanship and leadership,’ according to the obituary. Off the ice, Connor was ‘a kind and caring young man, who spoke softly and carried with him a smile that warmed every room he entered,’ the obituary continued.
‘He cherished spending time with his family, from their many journeys and countless miles logged together as a full time hockey family, to their annual retreat to Mexico, where they enjoyed a peaceful break and quiet time together. He was at the center of so many hearts.’
The New York Islanders: ‘Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time’
Connor was a lifelong New York Islanders fan, according to his obituary. After his death, the Islanders shared an Instagram post about the teenager offering their ‘deepest condolences’
The team called Connor a ‘beloved member of the Massapequa and Long Island hockey community.’
Jonathan Limehouse covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at JLimehouse@gannett.com.