Tobias Forsythe, UMass Lowell Goalie, Dies in Car Accident

Tobias Forsythe, a goalie for the University of Massachusetts Lowell men’s soccer team, tragically passed away on Sunday due to a car accident. The university shared the news in a press release on Monday.

He was just 21 years old.

The accident occurred shortly after 1:30 a.m. in Madison County, Ohio, where Forsythe was hit by 42-year-old Bekzod Aslalov on Interstate 71.

“Our entire athletics department is deeply saddened by Toby’s passing,” said Lynn Coutts, the director of athletics at UMass Lowell. “Though his time as a Riverhawk was cut short, he made a lasting impact and will always be remembered as a cherished member of Lowell College.”

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and those close to him, and we’re dedicated to supporting our student-athletes and staff as we cope with this significant loss.”

Forsythe played at Ashland University from 2023 to 2025 before transferring to Shawnee State, where he started all 17 games in 2025. At Shawnee State, he managed to save 74.4% of the shots he faced and kept four clean sheets.

He recently enrolled at UMass Lowell for the 2026 spring season.

“Today, our Riverhawk team is grieving the loss of a valued member,” Mass. Lowell head coach Kyle Zenoni stated in a release. “Toby embodied everything you hope for in a student-athlete and was an even better individual. He was humble, honest, selfless, and the epitome of hard work.

“Every day he arrived prepared to compete and grow, ready to rise to any challenge. He never sought shortcuts or expected anything without effort; he just wanted a chance to earn it.”

“Our thoughts are with Toby’s family, friends, teammates, and everyone fortunate enough to know him. We are eternally grateful for his time with our Riverhawk family and will honor his memory by continuing to uphold the example he set.”