Make New York Post a Preferred Source A Massachusetts community is mourning the death of its high-school football captain.
Owen Coyne, a senior wide receiver and three-sport athlete for Marblehead High School, died at 17 from a “sudden brain hemorrhage” not caused by impact, according to his family.
“It is with profound sadness and indescribable grief that we share that Owen passed away after a sudden brain hemorrhage,” Coyne’s mother Angela Paradise said in a statement shared with the Marblehead Current. “Owen (Owie to his family, OC to his friends, teammates and coaches) was the sweetest soul you’ll ever meet — truly a gift!
“Owen was a wonderful, respectful son, a doting older brother to Grady, Landon and Ella, and a beloved grandson, cousin and nephew. He surrounded himself with the very best friends and teammates a boy could have. O’s kindness, positivity, warmth and humble nature left an indelible mark on everyone he met during his brief 17 years on earth.
Coyne, who also is survived by his father, Brian, was a member of the school’s baseball and track teams but had committed to play football at Williams College. The Marblehead Magicians’ scheduled game Saturday against Danvers was canceled, the school announced.
“This is a sad day for our Marblehead community, and we ask that you send positive thoughts and prayers to the Coyne family and Owen’s friends during this difficult time,” Superintendent John Robidoux said. “In the days and weeks to come, we will be providing counseling support in an ongoing way during the school day for students and staff who want to avail themselves of the opportunity. We will share further information with the community as appropriate.”
Paradise wrote that Owen Coyne also was an avid boater and sailing instructor in his community. She added that the family learned Friday evening that her son’s organs will save the lives of five people.
“‘That we will never see our Owie pursue his college dreams after working so very hard throughout high school to earn his spot at Williams is beyond heartbreaking,” Paradise added. “Owen, you were truly a gift — the BEST gift—to all of us. I am so grateful that I am your mom.
“Words cannot convey how sorry (and gutted and angry and shattered and confused) I am that you were robbed of your beautiful life with us — and with SO much promise ahead.”
Williams head football coach Mark Raymond said “all of us” at the school were “deeply saddened” to learn of Owen’s passing.
“He was truly a special young man and an outstanding student-athlete,” Raymond said, according to WCVB-TV in Boston. “We were extremely excited to have Owen becoming a part of our team. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his entire family and friends.”
