A Long Island lacrosse player died “unexpectedly” at age 19 while studying at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Aidan Kaminska, of Port Jefferson, New York, died Monday morning at his parents’ home from unknown causes, Newsday reported.
He studied communications at university and was a midfielder for the school’s lacrosse team. As a sophomore, he won Rookie of the Week and won the 2022 CAA All-Tournament Team.
The college newspaper The Massachusetts Daily Collegian called him “an unlikely hero” in April after the sophomore scored three goals in a game against Hofstra University.
“It took the Minutemen five minutes to get going offensively, but Kaminska showed confidence the moment he stepped onto the field,” a student wrote for the newspaper. “His influence on the game was crucial. But beyond that, Kaminska created a moment he will never forget.”
Aidan Kaminska, 19, of Port Jefferson, died “unexpectedly” at his parents’ home on Monday. His cause of death is unknown. He was a sophomore at UMass Amherst
He was part of the Minutemen, the school’s lacrosse team, and was dubbed an “unlikely hero” by the student newspaper after scoring three goals in a game against Hofstra University. He won numerous awards while on the team and has played the sport since he was little
The men’s lacrosse team, the Minutemen, honored the player in a statement, writing, “The Massachusetts Athletics Department extends its condolences to Aidan’s family, friends, teammates and coaches.”
Hofstra Lacrosse also paid tribute to the player on his Twitter page, writing, “We send our deepest condolences to the Kaminska family and the @UMassMLacrosse community for the sudden loss of Aidan Kaminska.”
The Atlantic 10 Conference also expressed its “sincere condolences” to the student-athlete.
“We have 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 has played lacrosse since he was a child and was, according to his obituary, a “great athlete.” He began his sports career on a team in Port Jefferson and went on to play for Legacy Lacrosse, a touring team, where he was a member of the 2016 World Series of Youth Lacrosse winning team.
He was also the captain of his high school lacrosse and football teams and received the All-County Midfielder Award in his junior year. He also won awards for football.
Aidan’s family described him in his obituary as a “goofy” person who loved “making people laugh.”
The 19-year-old loved “long walks in nature” and cooking, especially “frying spinach and trying new recipes”.
Aidan’s family described him in his obituary as a “goofy” person who loved “making people laugh.”
Aidan (left, with his mother and brother) will be “sadly missed,” his family said
The student athlete has played lacrosse since he was a child and has won numerous awards throughout his sports career
He also loved “ducks and bunnies” and enjoyed “long walks in nature.” The teenager “also enjoyed cooking, often sautéing fresh spinach and trying new recipes.”
His family called him an “inspiration to many” and said he was “sorryly missed”.
His mother Lydia wrote on Facebook: “My beautiful son Aidan. My heart is broken forever.’
His high school district also honored the student, with the superintendent writing, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the former student’s friends, family and loved ones at this difficult time…I offer my deepest and most sincere condolences to the family and staff and friends who have suffered this great loss.’
Aidan will be buried at St. James RC Church in Setauket, New York on Saturday. A wake will be offered Friday at the Bryant Funeral Home from 2pm to 4pm and 7pm to 9pm.
has reached out to the family for comment.
The Atlantic 10 Conference sent their condolences to the student-athlete, saying, “We have lost far too much in this life an amazing young man.”