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A Massapequa teen playing in a charity hockey game Saturday night collapsed on the ice and was later pronounced dead.
Connor Kasin, 17, a senior at Massapequa High School, suddenly lost consciousness just before 9 p.m., during an intermission of the game at the Town of Oyster Bay Skating Center in Bethpage, Nassau County Police said. Witnesses immediately performed CPR until medics and officers arrived, police said.
Despite their efforts, Connor was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
The tragedy has devastated the Long Island youth hockey and Massapequa communities.
In a letter to students and families, Massapequa schools Superintendent William Brennan described what happened as a “sudden medical event,” according to a Newsday report. Counseling services were made available at Massapequa High School on Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m., as well as throughout the upcoming week, the administrator said.
“Connor was a cherished member of our school community, known for his kindness, positivity, enthusiasm, and big smile,” Brennan wrote, as reported by Newsday. “He had a way of bringing light and joy to those around him, and his absence will be felt deeply by all of us.”
Town flags to be flown at half-staff
“It is with a heavy heart the Sharks share the sudden passing of 18U defenseman, Connor Kasin,” Sharks Elite Youth Hockey posted on Facebook. “Please keep the Kasin family in your thoughts and prayers.”
Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino has ordered that all American flags at town facilities to be flown at half-mast.
“His loss is heartbreaking, and we offer our deepest condolences and prayers to Connor’s family and friends,” Saladino said in social media post.
Islanders share condolences
In an Instagram post on Sunday, the New York Islanders extended their “deepest condolences to the family, friends, and teammates” of Connor.
P.A.L. Ice Hockey also expressed condolences.
“Our hearts are heavy as we extend our deepest condolences to the Kasin family, Connor’s teammates, coaches, and classmates from the LI Sharks and Massapequa Chiefs,” the group posted on Facebook. “Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this unimaginable time.
Connor was playing for charity in a memorial game that honored Syosset High School graduate Sabrina Navaetta, 19, who died last year in car crash in Delaware.
