Memorial scholarships launched to honor Stony Point student killed in Connecticut wrong-way crash
Family and friends remember Ryan O’Shea’s positivity and generosity as services begin and two memorial scholarships raise thousands of dollars in his name.
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Services began Thursday for Ryan O’Shea, the 21-year-old from Stony Point who was killed in a wrong-way crash in Connecticut last week.
O’Shea, a senior at the University of New Haven, died while driving home from a hockey game on Interstate 91 in North Haven when a wrong-way driver hit his vehicle head-on. Connecticut State Police said the investigation is continuing.
Loved ones remembered O’Shea for his positive attitude, generosity and ability to make others feel welcome.
"Ryan always found a way to make everything positive," said his younger sister, Katherine O’Shea.
His older sister, Kiera O’Shea, said he consistently looked out for others.
"He was always trying to go out of the way to help others and include them in new spaces if they didn't know anyone," she said.
Friends reflected on O’Shea’s impact both on and off the ice, including his involvement in the Kappa Sigma Upsilon Omicron Chapter fraternity.
He was a captain of the UNH Men's Club Hockey team and president of the fraternity.
"He really was just one of one. There won't be someone like him ever again," said friend Trent Macri.
"We will remember his infectious personality. And his ability to light up the room and his ability to take charge and take care of others," said friend Connor Keaney.
O’Shea’s girlfriend, Lexi Hartz, said he was dedicated to making others happy.
"He tried his hardest to make everyone happy, and I know, like, me personally, that's all he ever wanted to do at the end of the day," Hartz said.
In the wake of his death, O’Shea’s loved ones have established two memorial scholarships in his honor.
One scholarship is intended for a North Rockland High School student-athlete, while the other will support a University of New Haven student pursuing a career in criminal justice, as O’Shea was.
More than $35,000 has been raised through hundreds of donations.
"We would absolutely love to see a North Rockland kid or a University of New Haven kid branch out and be able to have these opportunities to do what Ryan did," Katherine O’Shea said.
Here is the link to that donation drive.
