Adam Pomper, Loyola lacrosse player from Huntington, dies
St. Anthony's Adam Pomper drives for the goal as (R) Chaminade's John Connelly guards during a game held at Chaminade High School. (April 13, 2010) Credit: Newsday/Frank Koester
A standout high school lacrosse player from Huntington who had gone on to compete on Loyola University's championship team died Tuesday morning in Suffolk, police said.
No cause of death was given for Adam Pomper, 18, of Huntington Bay, a member of the 2011 St. Anthony's High School championship lacrosse team and a member of this year's Loyola national championship team. A Suffolk police spokeswoman said Pomper's death appeared to be "noncriminal" but declined to elaborate. The "noncriminal" classification, without additional detail, is usually reserved for police investigated deaths of natural causes, drug overdoses or suicides.
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Adam," athletic director Jim Paquette said in the Loyola statement. "On behalf of our administration, coaches and student-athletes, I would like to extend my condolences to Adam's parents, brothers, friends and relatives. "
Pomper was a 5-10, 175-pound freshman at Loyola, appearing in one game there this season, a 17-6 victory over Hobart and William Smith Colleges in April.
St. Anthony's lacrosse coach Keith Wieczorek called Pomper "a gifted natural athlete . . . He had a contagious smile and distinct laugh that would make everyone around him feel good."
Pomper is survived by his parents, Bruce and Kay of Huntington Bay, brothers Max and Brian, and a grandmother, Mary Jo Hughes.
A viewing will be held Friday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at M.A. Connell Funeral Home, 934 New York Ave, Huntington Station. Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday at 9:30 a.m. at Church of St. Patrick on Main Street in Huntington.
In lieu of flowers, the family asked that donations be made to St. Anthony's High School, 275 Wolf Hill Road.
