NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. — A Niagara University student died in a Niagara Falls fire on Saturday morning, the school confirmed in an email to the campus community.
A letter from the university president, The Rev. James J. Maher, said Patrick Romano was a member of the Niagara club hockey team. He said Romano also helped with the production and streaming of Purple Eagles athletic events that aired on ESPN.
"This news is devastating to our university community, and the pain that we are feeling, the emptiness that Patrick’s passing leaves for all of us is far-reaching. Together, we are heartbroken by this tragic loss of life," Maher's email read, in part.
He added: "Words cannot express the deep sadness experienced across the University community – the club hockey team and their coach, our students, our faculty, and our staff."
According to a Niagara Falls spokesperson, crews were called to the scene around 5:14 a.m. on Wyoming Avenue. Upon arrival, the single-family house was fully engulfed in flames. Firefighters say the fire was venting through the roof.
The spokesperson says crews tried to go into the house but were forced out due to the heavy fire. When firefighters were able to get inside, an individual was found dead.
The fire is currently under investigation.
Here is President Maher's statement in full:
Niagara University is heartbroken at the news that our student Patrick Romano, passed away tragically in a house fire in Niagara Falls early Saturday morning.
This news is devastating to our entire university community, and words cannot express the pain that we are feeling, or the emptiness that Patrick’s passing leaves for our students, faculty, staff and administration. Together we are deeply saddened by this tragedy.
Patrick is a junior student in the sport management program, and a member of the university’s club hockey team. He was a gifted student who served as role model and mentor for his friends and the members of the club hockey team, and he was also instrumental in the production and streaming of NU’s athletic events with ESPN.
Over the past day Patrick’s teammates and coach have gathered together to support one another; members of our Vincentian community and Campus Ministry have been with our students and staff in the Chapel to pray; and Niagara’s counseling staff has been and continues to be available for anyone in our community. We have been in touch with Patrick’s family, and we will continue to offer any support to them that they may need.
Together we are praying for everyone impacted by this tragedy, including Patrick’s family, our students and their families, and our entire university community. May God’s healing presence bring us peace and consolation during this most difficult time.