Marblehead high school student dies suddenly from brain hemorrhage

The Marblehead High School community is mourning the loss of 17-year-old Owen Coyne, a three-sport athlete and co-captain of the school’s varsity football team who died unexpectedly on Friday. 

Coyne, a senior, passed away from complications related to a brain hemorrhage, his obituary says. 

“Owen’s passing is a devastating loss for our family, and we recognize that this is also a staggering loss for our Marblehead community,” his mother, Angela Paradise, wrote in a tribute shared with the Marblehead Current. 

Last season, Coyne played safety and wide receiver for the Magicians. He committed in July to continue his athletic and academic career at Williams College.  

“That we will never see our Owie pursue his college dreams after working so very hard throughout high school to earn his spot at Williams is beyond heartbreaking,” Paradise wrote. 

Coyne also competed on the varsity track and field team and varsity baseball team, along with serving as a sailing instructor for the town of Marblehead. 

“A great baseball player — a better person,” the Marblehead baseball program said in an X post honoring Coyne. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Owen’s family, friends, teammates, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him.”

Marblehead Public Schools Superintendent John Robidoux announced Coyne’s passing on Friday, noting that counseling support will be available during the school day for students and staff, The Boston Globe reported. 

Following the news, Marblehead’s scheduled football game against Danvers on Saturday was canceled. 

Coyne’s death was met with an outpouring of support from the Marblehead community and nearby towns’ school districts and sports teams. 

“The thoughts and prayers of the Mansfield High School community go out to the family of Owen Coyne of Marblehead High School who passed away unexpectedly,” Mansfield football coach Mike Redding said on X. “From all that knew him, he was a great athlete, captain, student and great friend to many. Hoping he is in a better place.” 

To honor Coyne, who previously wore jersey number 18, the Franklin High School football team announced on X that they retired #18 for their game.

“Our schools don’t share a field, [but] we are part of the same high school athletics family,” Northbridge Athletics said on X. “Today, wins and losses mean nothing. We stand together in support!” 

Funeral services for Coyne are scheduled for Thursday at Our Lady, Star of the Sea Church in Marblehead, with a reception to follow at Tedesco Country Club, according to his obituary. His family requests that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be directed to The Owen P. Coyne Scholarship Fund.

“Owen, you were truly a gift — the BEST gift — to all of us,” Paradise wrote. “I am so grateful that I am your mom. I love you with all of my heart and I will miss you every minute of every day until my time on earth is done.”