Amherst lacrosse player dies 'unexpectedly' at 19: 'He will be sorely missed

"My heart is broken forever," wrote UMass Amherst Lacrosse player Ayden Kaminska on his Facebook page following the player's "unexpected" death.

Aiden Kaminska, a sophomore in communications and a Minutemen midfielder, died "unexpectedly" on the morning of Memorial Day, according to an obituary that did not provide a cause of death.

"Aiden was known for his infectious smile, as a great friend, and as a great athlete," the obituary reads. Aidan likes to be silly and make people laugh. He likes small animals, especially ducks and rabbits. He loves to went for walks in nature and exercise like crazy. She loves to cook, often sautéing fresh spinach and trying new recipes. He loves making homemade pickles with his mother," he continued. "Aiden has many friends and has been an inspiration to many. He will be greatly missed."

Aiden's mother, Lydia Johnston Kaminska, paid tribute to her son by sharing video highlights from his sports career. "My beautiful daughter. Maid, My heart is broken forever," Lydia wrote on Facebook Monday.

Born on August 13, 2002, in Stony Brook, New York, Aiden graduated from Port Jefferson School in 2020, where he found his love for lacrosse and, according to his obituary, was the school's team captain. He earned a national linebacker in his junior year and played for several travel lacrosse teams, winning the 2016 Youth Lacrosse World Series with the old lacrosse team. According to the college, Aiden was named Rookie of the Week at UMass Amherst, where he was named to the CAA All-Rookie and All-Tournament teams. 

"The Massachusetts Department of Athletics extends its condolences to Aiden's family, friends, teammates, and coach. 

Visits will take place on Friday, June 3, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Bryant Funeral Home in East Setauket, New York, followed by a service on Saturday, June 4 at 10:30 a.m. at Baby Jesus St. John's Chapel. Charles in Port Jefferson.