Former Ohio State Goaltender Sean Romeo Dies at 31 After Stroke Complications

Former Ohio State Buckeyes men’s hockey goaltender Sean Romeo died Monday from complications related to a stroke, the university announced. He was 31 years old. The news sent shockwaves through the collegiate and professional hockey communities, prompting an outpouring of tributes from former teammates, coaches, and organizations that knew him both on and off the ice.

Standout Career with the Buckeyes

Romeo transferred to Ohio State from the University of Maine in 2016 and quickly established himself as one of the program’s most decorated netminders. During his time in Columbus, he earned second-team All-Big Ten honors and was named a Mike Richter Award semifinalist, recognizing him as one of the top goaltenders in NCAA Division I hockey.

His signature moment came during the 2018 NCAA Tournament, when he was named the Midwest Regional’s Most Outstanding Player while backstopping the Buckeyes to the Frozen Four for just the second time in program history. The run cemented his legacy in Ohio State hockey lore.

Professional Career and Life After Hockey

After his collegiate career concluded, Romeo signed with the Cincinnati Cyclones of the ECHL — the NHL’s premier “AA” developmental league. He appeared in 30 games at the professional level before making the decision to step away from hockey and pursue a career in business in Chicago.

Former teammates and coaches consistently described Romeo as a consummate professional whose work ethic and character extended far beyond the crease. His transition to the business world was viewed by those close to him as a natural evolution of the discipline and leadership he displayed as a student-athlete.

Medical Emergency and Final Days

Romeo suffered an initial stroke on October 15. According to updates shared by his mother, Lisa Romeo, on his Caring Bridge page, his condition “continued to worsen” in the days that followed. A second stroke occurred on October 22, affecting the opposite side of his brain — a devastating complication that ultimately proved fatal.

The rapid progression of his medical crisis stunned the hockey community, which had rallied around the Romeo family during his hospitalization. Friends, former teammates, and fans across the country followed updates and offered support throughout the ordeal.

Organ Donation: A Final Act of Generosity

In a decision that reflects the selflessness those who knew him say defined his character, Romeo was a registered organ donor. Ohio State confirmed that he will be donating his heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys — a gift that will give multiple recipients a second chance at life.

“Sean’s final gift — the gift of life to others — is the ultimate testament to the kind of person he was. He competed with everything he had on the ice, and he gave everything he had off it. That’s who Sean Romeo was.”

Hockey World Mourns a Respected Figure

Tributes poured in from across the hockey landscape following the announcement of Romeo’s passing.

The ECHL released a statement on social media: “The ECHL mourns the passing of former goaltender Sean Romeo at age 31. Our thoughts and condolences go out to Sean’s family, friends, and former teammates during this time.”

His former professional team, the Cincinnati Cyclones, added: “We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of former Cyclones goalie Sean Romeo, holding his friends and family in our thoughts.”

Ohio State’s athletic department and hockey program also shared heartfelt remembrances, highlighting not only his athletic achievements but his impact as a teammate and representative of the university.

Celebration of Life Scheduled

A celebration of life for Sean Romeo is scheduled for November 9 in Cary, North Carolina. The service will provide an opportunity for family, friends, former teammates, and members of the hockey community to honor his memory and legacy.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that those wishing to honor Romeo’s memory consider registering as organ donors — a cause that now carries profound personal significance for all who knew him.

Remembering Sean Romeo

Sean Romeo’s journey — from Maine to Columbus, from the Frozen Four to the professional ranks, and finally to a career in business — was defined by resilience, excellence, and quiet leadership. His passing at 31 is a profound loss for his family, his friends, and the broader hockey family that watched him compete and grow.

His legacy endures in the record books at Ohio State, in the lives that will be saved through his organ donation, and in the countless people he touched through his character and generosity. The hockey world has lost a good one far too soon.

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