A New York high school hockey player, Connor Kasin, 17, tragically died after he collapsed during a charity hockey game at Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center in Bethpage on Saturday.
The senior at Long Island's Massapequa High School passed out during the intermission of the match held in honor of a teenager who had died in a car crash the year prior. Members of the crowd rushed onto the ice to help, performing CPR until paramedics arrived. Connor was then rushed to hospital but couldn't be saved.
"Rest in peace kid, heaven truly gained an angel, best teammate I could ask for," wrote one friend.
"Rest in peace Connor. You were such a kind person," said another.
"God picked an amazing angel. Rest easy brother love you forever and always," expressed another friend.
Connor Kasin was skating at the charity game for his high school's team, the Massapequa Chiefs, to honor fellow athlete Sabrina Navaretta, who died in a car accident last year at 19 years old.
"His passing is devastating to the Massapequa community, and we offer our deepest condolences to Connor's family and friends," stated Massapequa High School administrators.
William Sander, a senior at the high school, described Conner as "a good guy." He added: "I pray for him and pray for people around him. Honestly, it's very sad and heartbreaking."
Sabrina's parents shared their sympathy: "There are no words to convey our heartbreak that we feel as last night was supposed to be a fun night... We would like the Kasin family to know our commitment to you. Connor was there to play for Sabrina and our family is here for you."
"Please take time to grieve and be kind to yourself as waves of grief can knock you over. John and I are here for you when you are ready," they added.
Connor's coach Jeff Tempone told CBS News: "He was a coach's dream... It's missing someone very special."
The cause of Connor's death remains unknown with Nassau police stating there is 'no criminality suspected.'