A community in Massachusetts is coming together to grieve the loss of a high school football captain.
Owen Coyne, a senior wide receiver and a dedicated athlete at Marblehead High School, passed away at the age of 17 from a sudden brain hemorrhage that, according to his family, was not related to any physical impact.
“It is with profound sadness and indescribable grief that we share that Owen passed away after a sudden brain hemorrhage,” said his mother, Angela Paradise, in a statement to the Marblehead Current. “Owen (or Owie, as his family called him, and 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 devoted older brother to Grady, Landon, and Ella, and cherished grandson, cousin, and nephew. His circle included the best friends and teammates a boy could wish for. O’s kindness, positivity, warmth, and humility left an indelible mark on everyone he met during his brief time of 17 years.”
Survived also by his father, Brian, Owen was actively involved in the school’s baseball and track teams, but had already committed to play football at Williams College. As a result of his passing, the Marblehead Magicians canceled their scheduled game against Danvers on Saturday.
“This is a sad day for our Marblehead community, and we ask everyone to send positive thoughts and prayers to the Coyne family and Owen’s friends during this difficult time,” stated Superintendent John Robidoux. “In the days and weeks ahead, we will provide counseling support for students and staff who wish to take advantage of it during the school day. We will keep the community informed as appropriate.”
Paradise also mentioned that Owen was an enthusiastic boater and sailing instructor in the area. She shared that on Friday evening, the family learned that Owen’s organs would go on to save the lives of five individuals.
“That we will never see our Owie pursue his college dreams, after all the hard work he put into earning his spot at Williams, is just beyond heartbreaking,” Paradise expressed. “Owen, you were truly a gift — the BEST gift — to all of us. I’m so grateful to be your mom.”
“Words cannot express how sorry (and gutted, and angry, and shattered, and confused) I am that you were robbed of your beautiful life with us — a life that held so much promise.”
Mark Raymond, the head football coach at Williams, conveyed that everyone at the school was “deeply saddened” by the news of Owen’s passing.
“He was truly a special young man and an outstanding student-athlete,” Raymond remarked, emphasizing that they were “extremely excited” to welcome Owen to the team. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to his entire family and friends.”
