The Salve Regina University community is mourning the sudden loss of one of its own. Chris Koltzan, 22, of East Quogue, New York, died on August 2, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of athletic achievement and genuine connection. A senior midfielder for the Seahawks men’s lacrosse team, Koltzan was a business administration major with a minor in finance who had just begun to make his mark on the field and in the professional world. His passing has sent shockwaves through the East Quogue community, Salve Regina University, and the broader Long Island lacrosse circles where he was known for his leadership, dedication, and ability to connect with others. Here’s what we know about his life, his athletic career, and the impact he made on everyone who knew him.
Chris Koltzan, 22, of East Quogue, New York, died on August 2, 2026. He was a senior midfielder on the Salve Regina University men’s lacrosse team and a business administration major. Koltzan was an All-County honoree at Westhampton Beach High School and had most recently worked as a microphone operator for NBCUniversal Sports during the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club.
A Rising Star on the Lacrosse Field
Chris Koltzan was a standout lacrosse player from an early age. He earned All-County honors at Westhampton Beach High School under head coach Drew Peters, playing for the East End Elite club program . His athleticism and dedication followed him to college, where he began his collegiate career at York College of Pennsylvania before transferring to Salve Regina University .
At Salve Regina, Koltzan’s impact was immediate:
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As a sophomore (2024), he played in 14 games, recording 26 goals and 14 assists for 40 points
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He was known for his versatility as a midfielder at 5’10” and 189 pounds
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In his senior season (2026), he consistently contributed to the Seahawks’ offense
His performance in a March 9, 2026, game against Connecticut College showcased his talent: Koltzan scored 3 goals and added 3 assists for a 6-point game . A February 2026 performance saw him record 4 goals and 2 assists in a single contest .
A Life of Work, Study, and Service
Koltzan was a business administration major with a minor in finance at Salve Regina, graduating with the Class of 2026 . His LinkedIn profile described him as “highly motivated, competitive, and driven to succeed not only for myself but for the teams and communities I’m part of.”
His work experience reflected his drive and versatility:
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Dockhand at Oaklands Marina (Hampton Bays, NY) – An 8-year seasonal role where he managed end-of-day closing procedures, handled high-value vessels, and coordinated fueling and docking services
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Dockhand at Newport Harbor Island Resort (Newport, RI) – A seasonal position in 2025 where he assisted boaters, maintained facilities, and delivered excellent customer service
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Sound and Audio Technician at NBCUniversal – His most recent role, where he worked as a microphone operator for the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in June 2026, calling the experience “incredible” and noting it gave him insight into live sports production at the highest level
He was a son to parents Chris and Patricia Koltzan and a brother to Mary Elizabeth and Margaret Rose .
The Person Behind the Player
Koltzan’s greatest strength was his ability to connect with others. On his LinkedIn profile, he wrote:
“My greatest strengths are communication and the ability to genuinely connect with others. I’m highly motivated, competitive, and driven to succeed not only for myself but for the teams and communities I’m part of.”
Those who knew him described him as someone who brought energy and purpose to everything he did. Whether on the lacrosse field, working at the marina, or in the broadcast booth at the U.S. Open, Koltzan approached life with dedication and a smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Chris Koltzan?
Chris Koltzan was a 22-year-old senior midfielder on the Salve Regina University men’s lacrosse team from East Quogue, New York. He was a business administration major with a minor in finance and had earned All-County honors at Westhampton Beach High School .
What happened to Chris Koltzan?
Chris Koltzan died on August 2, 2026, at the age of 22. The specific cause of death has not been publicly released, but his passing has been deeply mourned by the Salve Regina and East Quogue communities.
Where did Chris Koltzan go to school?
Koltzan attended Westhampton Beach High School before starting his collegiate career at York College of Pennsylvania. He transferred to Salve Regina University, where he was a senior and a member of the Class of 2026 .
What sports did Chris Koltzan play?
Koltzan played lacrosse as a midfielder. He earned All-County honors in high school and was a key contributor to the Salve Regina Seahawks, recording 26 goals and 14 assists during his sophomore season .
Who were Chris Koltzan’s family members?
Koltzan is survived by his parents, Chris and Patricia Koltzan, his siblings Mary Elizabeth and Margaret Rose, and his mother Maureen Rose. He was predeceased by his father James Edmund .
Conclusion
Chris Koltzan lived just 22 years, but he packed more into that time than most do in a lifetime. He was a talented athlete, a dedicated student, and a young man who genuinely cared about the people around him. His accomplishments—from All-County honors to contributing to a Division III lacrosse program, from working the docks to the broadcast booth at the U.S. Open—show a life lived with purpose and energy. The community of East Quogue, Salve Regina University, and all who knew him will carry his memory forward. Rest easy, #22.