Aiden Kaminska, a 19-year-old college lacrosse player from Long Island, New York, died unexpectedly on May 30, 2022. He was a sophomore communications major and a midfielder for the University of Massachusetts Amherst men’s lacrosse team. His death has shocked and saddened his family, friends, teammates, and coaches, who remembered him as a “tremendous athlete” and a person with an “infectious smile”.
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How Did Aiden Kaminska Die?
The cause of Aiden Kaminska’s death has not been officially revealed by his family or the university. However, some sources have speculated that he may have suffered from a cardiac arrest or a heart attack, which are among the leading causes of sudden death in young athletes. According to TODAY, about a quarter of all cases of sudden cardiac death occur during sports. In comparison, one in every 100,000 adults suffers from sudden cardiac death.
Who Was Aiden Kaminska?
Aiden Kaminska was born in Stony Brook, New York, and grew up in Port Jefferson, New York. He attended Earl L. Vandermeulen High School, where he was a four-year varsity lacrosse player and a captain in his senior year. He also played football and basketball in high school. He was named to the All-County team three times and the All-Division team four times in lacrosse. He also received academic honors and awards for his excellence in the classroom.
Aiden Kaminska joined the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2020 as a communications major and a lacrosse player. He redshirted his freshman year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but he made an impressive debut in his sophomore year. He played in six games and scored nine goals for the Minutemen in 2022. He was named to the Colonial Athletic Association’s All-Rookie team and the All-Tournament team. He scored three goals in his first-ever start on May 5, 2022, against Towson University in the CAA Championship semifinal.
How Is Aiden Kaminska Being Remembered?
Aiden Kaminska’s death has left a void in the hearts of many people who knew him and loved him. His mother, Lydia Johnston Kaminska, wrote on Facebook: “My beautiful son. Aidan. My heart is forever broken.” She also shared videos and photos of him throughout his life. His father, Alex Kaminska, thanked everyone for their support and prayers in a Facebook post. His brother, Ryan Kaminska, posted a tribute on Instagram, calling him “the best brother anyone could ask for” and “my best friend”.
Aiden Kaminska’s teammates and coaches also expressed their grief and condolences on social media. The UMass Amherst men’s lacrosse team tweeted: “We join @UMassAthletics in mourning the loss of men’s lacrosse player Aidan Kaminska.” The head coach of the team, Greg Cannella, said: “We lost an amazing young man far too early in this life, and we send prayers of support and strength”. The Atlantic 10 Conference commissioner, Bernadette V. McGlade, said: “The Atlantic 10 Conference is deeply saddened by the passing of Aidan Kaminska … Our thoughts are with his family, friends, teammates and coaches during this difficult time”.
Aiden Kaminska’s community also showed their respect and admiration for him. His high school principal, Robert Neidig, said: “He was an amazing young man who had such a bright future ahead of him … He was well-liked by everyone who knew him”. His high school lacrosse coach, Taylor Forstell, said: “He was one of those kids that you just wanted to be around … He had such a positive impact on everyone he met”. His former teammates and classmates also shared their memories and condolences online.
What Are The Services For Aiden Kaminska?
A wake for Aiden Kaminska was held on Friday, June 4, 2022, at Bryant Funeral Home in East Setauket, New York. A funeral mass was held on Saturday, June 5, 2022, at Infant Jesus Roman Catholic Church in Port Jefferson, New York. A burial followed at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Port Jefferson. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Aidan Kaminska Memorial Scholarship Fund at Earl L. Vandermeulen High School or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
