In a devastating incident, 17-year-old Connor Kasin, a senior at Massapequa High School, lost his life after collapsing on the ice during a charity hockey game at the Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center in Bethpage, New York.
The game, held on Saturday night, was organised in honour of Sabrina Navaretta, a Syosset High School graduate who died in a car accident in 2023.
Kasin experienced a “medical event” during the game’s intermission, as reported by Nassau County Police. Civilians rushed onto the ice and administered CPR until first responders arrived.
Despite their efforts and being transported to a nearby hospital, Kasin was pronounced dead. The cause of his sudden collapse remains unknown, with police confirming no criminality was suspected in the case.
Massapequa High School announced Kasin’s passing in a letter to students and families, describing him as a student who brought “light and joy” to those around him. Grief counselling services have been made available to students in the wake of his death.
According to The New York Post, the charity game was organised by a foundation established in Navaretta’s name to fund scholarships and support grieving parents. John and Mara Navaretta, the organisers, expressed their condolences to Kasin’s family, saying, “There are no words to convey our heartbreak. Connor was there to play for Sabrina, and our family is here for you.”
Kasin’s travel hockey team, Sharks Elite Youth Hockey, also mourned his loss. His coach, Jeff Tempone, described him as “a coach’s dream” and “a highly coachable kid” who encouraged his teammates.
As per CBS News, Tempone added, “It’s devastating. He was a 17-year-old kid with his whole life ahead of him.”
The New York Islanders expressed their condolences via Instagram, calling Kasin a “beloved member of the Massapequa and Long Island hockey community.” Additionally, the New York Islanders High School Hockey League cancelled all games on Sunday as a mark of respect.
The untimely death of Kasin has left a profound impact on the Long Island community. As flags at the skating centre were lowered in his memory, the event became a stark reminder of life’s fragility.
“The hockey community is very special. It’s small, but it’s very powerful,” Tempone said, reflecting the sentiment shared by many in the grieving community.