A Long Island high school hockey player has tragically died after collapsing on the ice during a charity game in honor of a fellow student who died in a car crash.
Connor Kasin, a 17-year-old senior at Massapequa High School in Long Island, passed out on the ice during intermission of a charity match at the Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center in Bethpage on Saturday around 9 p.m.
Connor was rushed to hospital after members of the crowd resuscitated him until paramedics could arrive, but he was sadly pronounced dead.
The cause of his death is still unknown. Nassau police said its detectives are still investigating the incident, but noted that “no criminality is suspected.”
Kasin was playing for his high school team, the Massapequa Chiefs, in a game designed to celebrate the life of Sabrina Navaretta, a graduate of rival Syosset High School, when he tragically passed away.
His school said in a letter to parents and students: ‘It is heartbreaking to report that Connor did not survive. His passing is devastating to the Massapequa community, and we extend our deepest condolences to Connor’s family and friends.”
Sabrina’s parents, meanwhile, said, “There are no words to convey the heartbreak 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 college scholarships, dog rescues and assisting grieving parents.”
Connor Kasin (pictured) fainted on the ice during halftime of a charity game
The competition was in memory of Sabrina Navaretta (photo), who passed away last year
“We would like the Kasin family to know of our commitment to you. Connor was there to play for Sabrina and our family is here for you.
“Please take time to grieve and be kind to yourself because the waves of grief can knock you down. John and I are here for you when you’re ready.”
Connor’s travel team, Sharks Elite Youth Hockey, said Sunday: “It is with heavy hearts that the Sharks share the sudden passing of 18U defenseman Connor Kasin. Please keep the Kasin family in your thoughts and prayers.”
His coach, Jeff Tempone, told CBS News, “He was every coach’s dream. You coached him and he loved the game. Someone is missing. It’s missing someone very special.
“Probably in the best shape on the team, as far as physically, and he was just a great kid, a very coachable kid, always encouraging his teammates on the bench.”
‘It was devastating. He’s a 17-year-old boy, he has his whole life ahead of him,” Tempone said.
William Sander, a senior in high school, called Conner “a good guy.”
“I pray for him and pray for the people around him. Honestly, it’s very sad and heartbreaking,” he said.
Connot was only 17 when he collapsed and died
Sabrina died last year in a tragic car accident in Newark when she was just 19
Sabrina died last year in a tragic car accident in Newark when she was just 19.
Police said Sabrina, who was sitting in the front seat of one of the cars, was trapped and had to be freed by firefighters.
Although she was taken to hospital, she later died from her injuries.
Since her death, her parents have set up a foundation in her honor, which raises money to help grieving parents.
It also administers a scholarship to support students who want to work on good causes, including environmental conservation.