A 19-year-old lacrosse player from Long Island died ‘unexpectedly’ while attending the University of Massachusetts
Amherst.
Aidan Kaminska, of Port Jefferson, New York, died of unknown causes at his parent’s home on Monday morning,
according to Newsday.
He was a communications major and a member of the university’s lacrosse team as a midfielder. He was named to
the 2022 CAA All-Tournament team after winning Rookie of the Week as a sophomore.
After scoring three goals in a game against Hofstra University in April, the student publication The Massachusetts
Daily Collegian dubbed him “an unlikely hero.”
‘It took the Minutemen five minutes to get going offensively, but Kaminska showed confidence in himself the
moment he stepped on the field,’ a student wrote for the paper. ‘His impact on the game was crucial. But more than
that, Kaminska created a moment he’ll never forget.’
The Minutemen, a men’s lacrosse team, paid tribute to the player in a statement.: ‘The Massachusetts athletics
department extends condolences to Aidan’s family, friends, teammates and coaches.’
‘We send our deepest condolences to the Kaminska family and the @UMassMLacrosse community for the sudden
loss of Aidan Kaminska,’ Hofstra lacrosse wrote on its Twitter page.
The Atlantic 10 Conference also offered the student-athlete its ‘sincerest condolences.’
‘We lost an amazing young man far too early in this life, and we send prayers of support and strength,’ the
conference wrote in a statement.
Aidan was a ‘tremendous athlete’ who had been playing lacrosse since he was a little boy, according to his obituary.
He began his athletic career on a Port Jefferson squad before moving on to Legacy Lacrosse, a travel club, where he
was a member of the World Series of Youth Lacrosse winning team in 2016.
He was also the captain of his high school lacrosse and football teams, and his junior year he was named All-County
Midfielder. He also won football accolades.
Aidan’s family characterized him as a “goofy” person who loved to “make others giggle” in his obituary.
He also loves ‘long treks in nature’ and ‘ducklings and bunnies.’ ‘The teen also enjoyed cooking, frequently sautéing fresh spinach and experimenting with new recipes,’ according to the report.
His relatives described him as a “inspiration to many” who would be “greatly missed.”
‘My gorgeous boy, Aidan,’ his mother Lydia wrote on Facebook. ‘My heart will always be broken.’
His high school district also paid tribute to the youngster, with the superintendent writing: ‘Our thoughts and
prayers are with the former student’s friends, family and loved ones during this difficult time…
I extend my heartfelt sympathies to the family, staff, and friends who have been affected by this tragic loss.’
Aidan will be laid to rest on Saturday at St. James RC Church in Setauket, New York. A wake will be held at Bryant
Funeral Home on Friday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m.
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