Tragedy struck during the night hours of Friday, Oct.16, shocking the University of New Haven. Chargers’ hockey assistant captain Ryan O’Shea was struck and killed in a wrong-way driver accident on I-91 South on his way home from UNH’s home opening game against the University of Delaware.
The University of New Haven hockey team’s official press release read:
“Last night, the University of New Haven hockey family lost one of our own. Senior assistant captain, Ryan O’Shea was struck by a wrong-way driver on I-91 S in North Haven on his way home from a game. Ryan embodied what it meant to be a Charger. His infectious personality and sense of humor lit up our locker room. He loved his teammates and we will miss him dearly. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Ryan’s family and loved ones. Rest easy, brother, we love you!”
Four others were injured in the tragic crash, according to Connecticut State Police.
Ryan O’Shea was just 21-years-old. The Stony Point, NY, native was a criminal justice major and just one semester away from graduation. This past summer, O’Shea was an intern with his home state’s NYPD, and planned to pursue a career in criminal justice.
Joining Chargers hockey during his freshman year, O’Shea would be a critical part in the team’s season year after year. The 5-foot-10 Defenseman had appeared in 21-games last season, netting 4 points coming off of a duo of goals and assists. Overall, in 65 games as a Charger, O’Shea carried 26 points (9 goals, 17 assists).
At press time a campus memorial was planned.
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