Niagara University Student & Hockey Player Patrick Romano, 23, Tragically Dies in a House Fire

A talented hockey player and a student at Niagara University tragically died in a house fire. The 23-year-old was reportedly planning to move when the tragic incident happened.

A college student at a Niagara University who was a player on the school’s hockey team has tragically lost his life. The 23-year-old named Patrick Romano died in a devastating house fire over the weekend.

According to The Buffalo News, Romano lived at 1427 Wyoming Ave., Niagara Falls, and planned to move to another apartment. The athlete spoke to his coach Tom Mooradian on Friday night.

The duo exchanged texts about signing a lease for a new home. Unfortunately, by Saturday morning, Romano was found dead by firefighters. The university confirmed his heartbreaking death in a statement that read:

“The Niagara University community is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of junior Patrick Romano. We ask that you join us in continued prayer for Patrick’s family....”

The firefighters arrived at his place by 5 a.m in response to a call about the fire and, after spending about two hours putting out the flame, found Romano’s body. The cause of the inferno remains under investigation.

A GoFundMe page has since been set up to support [Romano's] mother, Charlene.

According to an obituary page set up to honor Romano, it was revealed that he is in his junior year and majored in Sports Management and Media Communications. He played on the varsity team for four years.

The deceased’s coach explained that Romano was looking forward to playing forward next season after the team was on hiatus due to COVID-19. Mooradian described him as “the happiest, most bubbly, larger-than-life teddy bear off the ice.”

A

has since been set up to support his mother, Charlene, who was

in his life. As of this writing, $38,685 has been raised, beating the $35,000 goal set.

The 23-year-old was survived by his parents, Patrick and Charlene, his grandfather Joseph Bill alongside several aunts, uncles, and cousins. A memorial service is set to hold on April 6 at the Silverton Memorial Funeral Home.

A 17-year-old high school student died from a medical emergency shortly after he finished football practice in a similar tragic story. Miguel Lugo was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The cause of death was unknown.