Sean Romeo, Former Ohio State Hockey Goaltender, Dies at 31
Romeo passed away from complications following a stroke, prompting tributes from across the hockey community.
Sean Romeo, a former goaltender for the Ohio State Buckeyes men's hockey team, died on Monday at the age of 31. The school announced that his death was due to complications from a stroke.
Romeo suffered an initial stroke on October 15. According to his mother, Lisa Romeo, his condition worsened, leading to a second stroke on October 22 on the opposite side of his brain. Romeo's family has indicated he was an organ donor, and his heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys will be donated to provide others with a chance at life.
The ECHL, a minor league affiliate of the NHL, issued a statement mourning Romeo's passing and extending condolences to his family, friends, and former teammates. The Cincinnati Cyclones, an ECHL team, also shared their sadness.
Romeo transferred to Ohio State from the University of Maine in 2016. During his time with the Buckeyes, he was recognized as a second-team All-Big Ten Conference selection and a semifinalist for the Mike Richter Award, given annually to the most outstanding goaltender in NCAA Division I men's hockey. He was also named the Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Midwest Regional as the team advanced to the Frozen Four.
After his hockey career, Romeo played 30 games in the ECHL before transitioning to a career in business in Chicago.
A celebration of life is scheduled for November 9 in Cary, North Carolina.