University of New Haven Community Mourns Tragic Loss of Senior who ‘Embodied Everything That Is Good About Being a Charger’

Ryan O’Shea ’27 a criminal justice major and captain of the University’s men’s ice hockey club team was killed in a motor vehicle accident after being struck by a wrong-way driver.

The University of New Haven is mourning the tragic loss of a member of its Charger community.

Ryan O’Shea ’27 died late Friday night as a result of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. The car he was driving was struck head-on by a wrong-way driver on Interstate 91 South in North Haven.

A resident of Stony Point, NY, Ryan was a criminal justice major with a concentration in police science. He interned last summer with the New York City Police Department, where he hoped to start his career as a police officer after Commencement. He also had his sights set on working for the Drug Enforcement Administration one day.

Ryan was also a proud member and senior captain of the University’s men’s ice hockey club team.

“Ryan was an avid sports fan, and he was always ready to have a sports-related conversation,” said his academic adviser Lorenzo Boyd, Ph.D., Stewart Professor of Community Policing. “Ryan wanted to go into public service in order to help others. He was engaging in the classroom and will be missed greatly.”

“Ryan embodied everything that is good about being a Charger,” shared Devin Bertrand, general manager of the men’s ice hockey club. “His infectious personality lit up our locker room the moment he walked in, and his love for his teammates will never be forgotten.”

“The loss of a young life is heartbreaking, and I cannot begin to imagine the grief that Ryan’s family is experiencing,” added Virginia Maxwell, D.Phil., interim dean of the Lee College. “Our Lee College community mourns Ryan’s tragic loss, and our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his family, friends, and all those whose lives were touched by him.”

Bertrand and Ryan’s teammates spoke with WTNH on Saturday night about the legacy he leaves behind.Grief counseling for students is available through the University’s Counseling and Psychological Services Office.

“Always, and especially during this difficult time, our Charger community is here for one another,” said Ophelie Rowe-Allen, Ed.D., vice president of student affairs and dean of students.

(Photos courtesy of Lily Anderson)