Michigan State University hockey player Preston J. Korytkowski has died at just 22 years old following a tragic crash on Interstate 95 in Virginia.
Korytkowski was driving a Honda CR-V through Caroline County early Saturday, Aug. 15, when his vehicle struck a tractor-trailer at around 3:40 a.m., according to local reports citing Virginia State Police.
Authorities said the tractor-trailer had become disabled and had pulled off to the side of the northbound lanes of I-95 before the collision.
Korytkowski was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the tractor-trailer suffered minor injuries.
News of Korytkowski’s death quickly spread through the Michigan State hockey community, where teammates, coaches and friends remembered him as a beloved player and leader.
The Michigan State Spartans shared an emotional tribute on Instagram shortly after the crash.
“Posting this with a heavy heart. Our teammate, friend and Captain Preston sadly passed away last evening. ❤️ #4,” the team wrote.
The post was quickly flooded with messages from people who knew Korytkowski.
Former coach Corbin Rainey wrote that he had the honor of coaching Preston in high school and described him as an “amazing person.”
“Keeping him and his family in my prayers,” Rainey added.
One friend wrote, “The best human. ❤️❤️❤️ I love you forever and ever Preston!”
Another said, “Just the absolute best guy around. Love you P❤️.”
Many of those mourning him referred to Korytkowski by his nickname, “Hands.”
One tribute read, “So heartbroken over Preston. ‘Hands’ made everyone around him better just by being there, and the whole team loved him. Sending our family’s love to the Korytkowskis. ❤️”
Korytkowski spent four seasons with Michigan State’s Division II hockey team.
The left winger appeared in 103 games during his college career, recording 10 goals and 12 assists.
He also served as a captain, a role that reflected the respect he had earned from teammates both on and off the ice.
The crash remains under investigation as the Michigan State hockey community mourns the sudden loss of a player teammates remembered not only for what he did on the ice, but for the kind of person he was away from it.