Ohio State University confirmed Monday that former men’s hockey goaltender Sean Romeo died at age 31 from complications following a stroke. Romeo suffered his first stroke on Oct. 15, and his condition worsened, leading to a second stroke on Oct. 22 on the opposite side of his brain, according to his mother’s Caring Bridge page.
Career highlights and legacy
Romeo transferred to Ohio State from Maine in 2016. During his collegiate career he earned second‑team All‑Big Ten honors, was a Mike Richter Award semifinalist, and was named the NCAA Midwest Regional’s Most Outstanding Player as the Buckeyes reached the Frozen Four for the second time.
After college, Romeo played 30 games in the ECHL, the developmental league that feeds the NHL, before moving to Chicago to pursue a business career.
Tributes from the hockey community
The ECHL posted on X, “The ECHL mourns the passing of former goaltender Sean Romeo at age 31. Our thoughts and condolences go out to Sean’s family, friends, and former teammates during this time.” The Cincinnati Cyclones added, “We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of former Cyclones goalie Sean Romeo, holding his friends and family in our thoughts.”
Family and organ donation
Ohio State noted that Romeo was an organ donor and will be donating his heart, lungs, liver and kidneys to give others a second chance at life. A celebration of life is scheduled for Nov. 9 in Cary, North Carolina.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.