Former Ohio State hockey star dead at 31 after suffering stroke

Former Ohio State Buckeyes men’s hockey goaltender Sean Romeo died from complications of a stroke, the school announced on Monday. He was 31.

Romeo suffered a stroke on Oct. 15. The death of Romero sparked tributes from the hockey world, including from the ECHL – a developmental hockey league that serves as part of the NHL’s minor league system.

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“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 ECHL wrote on X.

“We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of former Cyclones goalie Sean Romeo, holding his friends and family in our thoughts,” the Cincinnati Cyclones added.

Romeo transferred to Ohio State from Maine in 2016. He was a second-team All-Big Ten Conference winner and a Mike Richter Award semifinalist. He was named the NCAA Midwest Regional’s Most Outstanding Player as the team made the Frozen Four for the second time.

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Lisa Romeo explained on her son’s Caring Bridge page that his situation “continued to worsen” after he suffered the initial stroke. She revealed a second stroke occurred on Oct. 22 on the opposite side of his brain.

Ohio State said that the goaltender was an organ donor and will be “donating his heart, lungs, liver and kidneys to give others a second chance at life.”

Romeo played 30 games in the ECHL before pursuing a career in business in Chicago.

A celebration of life for the former athlete is set to be held on Nov. 9 in Cary, North Carolina.