Former Ohio State University and Cincinnati Cyclones goaltender Sean Romeo has died at the age of 31 after suffering complications from a stroke. Romeo suffered the stroke on October 15 and passed away on October 24, Ohio State confirmed. His death has led to tributes from his former teams and the ECHL. He also made a final, lasting difference by donating his heart, lungs, liver and kidneys, giving others a chance at life. The hockey community is now remembering a player who helped Ohio State reach major milestones during his college hockey career and beyond.
Sean Romeo Helped Ohio State Reach the NCAA Frozen Four
Ohio State announced Romeo’s death on its official website on October 26. The university’s men’s hockey program remembered him as a member of the team from 2016 to 2019.The school also shared the news of his organ donation. Romeo donated his heart, lungs, liver and kidneys, giving several people a chance to live.His time at Ohio State included some of the biggest moments in the program’s history. He helped the Buckeyes reach the 2018 NCAA Frozen Four, marking their first trip to the national semifinals since 1998. He was also part of the team that won the Big Ten Championship in 2019.Romeo earned Second Team All-Big Ten honors for his performances during the 2017-18 season. He also became the first Ohio State goaltender to reach the semifinal stage of the Mike Richter Award, which recognizes the top goalie in NCAA men’s hockey.His achievements went beyond the ice. Romeo earned the NCAA Elite 90 Award at the 2018 Frozen Four for having the highest grade-point average among the student-athletes competing at the event. He graduated from Ohio State in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in finance.Before joining the Buckeyes, Romeo played two seasons at the University of Maine. He later continued his hockey career in the ECHL, where he played for several teams, including the Cincinnati Cyclones.
Sean Romeo’s Former Teams and the ECHL Pay Tribute
The Cincinnati Cyclones shared their sadness following the news of Romeo’s death. The team, for which he played nine games after signing in 2019, remembered him and offered support to those closest to him.“We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of former Cyclones goalie Sean Romeo, holding his friends and family in our thoughts,” the team said.The ECHL also released a statement expressing its condolences to Romeo’s family and friends.“The ECHL and its member teams mourn the loss and express their condolences to the family and friends of former ECHL player Sean Romeo, who passed away on Saturday at the age of 31.”Fans also shared messages of support online. Many offered prayers for his family and friends as they came to terms with his death.Ohio State confirmed that a celebration of Romeo’s life will take place on November 9 at St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church in Cary, North Carolina. The service is scheduled for 11 a.m.His organ donation has added another lasting part to his story, as people who never knew him personally may now have a chance to live because of his decision to become a donor.